This document discusses obesity rates in the southern United States. It finds that Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee have obesity rates over 30% for adults, making them the most obese states. The south has higher obesity due to hot weather discouraging exercise, lack of access to fresh foods in rural areas, and higher poverty increasing consumption of processed foods. Obesity is linked to increased risk of cancer, stroke, diabetes and other health issues. The document outlines prevention efforts through schools, national organizations, food labeling, and community groups.

1. OBESITY IN SOUTHERN Laura Kelly
UNITED STATES

2. OVERVIEW
1. WHAT IS OBESITY?
2.OBESITY OF AMERICA CHART
3.STATISTICS OF OBESITY IN U.S
4. WHY IS THE SOUTH SO OBESE?
5.SOUTHERN OBESITY STATICS
6. HEALTH RELATED ISSUES
7.OBESITY PREVENTION
8. PROBLEMS BEHIND OBESITY VIDEO
9. WORK CITED

3.  Mississippi, Alabama
and Tennessee lead
the nation in obesity.
 More than 30 percent
of adults in each of
the states are obese
 About one-third of U.S.
adults (33.8%) are
obese.
 Not only is America
among the fattest
countries, but Southern
America is in the most
trouble.

5. STATISTICS OF OBESITY IN AMERICA
Percent Obese
34.30% 34.30%
33%
33%
35.00% 31.50%
29.50%
31.50% 26.50%
30.00%
26.50%
25.00%
29.50%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
Mississippi Louisiana Kentucky Illinois Indiana
Percent Obese

6. WHY IS
THE
SOUTH SO
HEAVY?
• High temperatures
and muggy
climates
discourage
exercise
• Fresh foods are
harder to find in
rural regions
• Lower poverty rate
makes processed
and fried foods
easier

7. HEALTH ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH
OBESITY
Cancer and Stroke
Dyslipidemia
Osteoarthritis
Type 2 diabetes
High Blood Pressure and heart disease
Liver and Gallbladder disease
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

8. OBESITY PREVENTION
Preventions in
school The Centers for Disease Control
National American Heart Association and the
organizations American Diabetes Association
Food The Federal Drug Administration has
Labeling mandated detailed food labels
Community We Can! -- Ways to Enhance Children's
Groups Activity & Nutrition.

9. PROBLEMS BEHIND SOUTHERN OBESITY

10. WORK CITED
 www.livestrong.com
 http://www.obesityinamerica.org/understandingObesity
/diseases.cfm
 http://www.cdc.gov /
 http://www.diabetes.org/food -and-
fitness/?loc=GlobalNavFF
 www.fda.gov