November 02, 2016
New Jersey residents should be feeling good about themselves after a recent study revealed that the state has one of the lowest rates of people dealing with weight problems.
WalletHub released its findings Wednesday on the "Fattest States in America," ranking the Garden State as the third-thinnest state. The other members of the tri-state area fared much worse. Pennsylvania was in the middle of the pack and was deemed the 21st thinnest state, while Delaware tipped the scales as the 11th fattest state.
The personal finance company released the study to recognize the beginning of National Diabetes Awareness Month. Americans spend $315.8 billion annually on obesity-related medical treatment.
Analysts examined all 50 states and the District of Columbia, on 17 factors, including the population percentage that is overweight or obese, the rate of sugary beverage consumption and access to healthy food.
New Jersey's rank was bolstered by having the second-lowest percentage of obese children. Similarly, Pennsylvania received high marks for a low rate of children who are considered overweight.
According to the Physical Activity Council, approximately 81.6 million Americans were completely inactive last year. Lack of physical activity is a leading cause of obesity. Nowhere is that more of a problem that in Delaware, which boasts the highest rate of adults who are overweight.
Utah and Colorado were the only states to outrank New Jersey on the list while Mississippi was named the fattest state.
