12 states now have high obesity; Mississippi No. 1

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ATLANTA (WKOW) -- A new government survey shows 12 states now have very high obesity rates.

Health experts say more than a third of adults are obese but rates vary by state. The latest figures are based on a 2011 telephone survey that asked adults their height and weight.

State rates remained about the same although states with very high rates jumped from nine to 12. At least 30 percent of adults are obese in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

Colorado was lowest, at just under 20.7 percent, and Mississippi was highest at nearly 34.9 percent. Wisconsin ranked in the middle at 27.7 percent.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the figures Monday. Click here for more information on this study.

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