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Idaho Obesity Rate 14th Lowest In The Country, Steady Over Last Year

Paola Kizette Cimenti
/
Flickr Creative Commons

Just two decades ago, adult obesity rates in states across the country were no more than 25 percent. Now, 46 states have rates above 25 percent, according to a report from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Idaho has the 14th lowest rate of obesity with a little more than 27 percent of adults battling the condition. That rate is basically unchanged over last year, following a steadying trend around the country. The study found that Latinos are more likely to be obese than Whites in the Gem State.

Most of the states with the highest numbers are in the South and the Midwest. The report also finds that low-income people without a college education are about a third more likely to struggle with the condition.

The report recommends a number of measures, including expanding healthcare coverage for those struggling to beat the disease.

Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill

Copyright 2017 Boise State Public Radio

Frankie Barnhill was the Senior Producer of Idaho Matters, Boise State Public Radio's daily show and podcast.

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