CDC: Missouri, Arkansas Ranked in Top 12 Most Obese States

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- We need to eat less and exercise more.

The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta says 30.3 percent of Missouri is obese; in Arkansas, that number is 30.9.

Missouri and Arkansas are two of 12 states where obesity rates rise above the 30 percent figure. The CDC study shows Mississippi with the highest obesity rate at 36 percent.

The figures are based on a 2011 telephone survey where participants were asked for their height and weight.

Colorado had the lowest number of obese adults according to the survey with 21 percent.

Obesity is determined by a body-mass index of more than 30. BMI is a calculation that takes into consideration a person's height and weight.

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