New Report: Adult Obesity Increases in the Past Year

Obesity—one of the many health factors measured in the County Health Rankings—continues to harm the health of communities across the country. According to the new F as in Fat report from Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, adult obesity rates increased in 16 states in the past year and did not decline in any states.

The obesity epidemic continues to be most dramatic in the South, which includes nine of the 10 states with the highest adult obesity rates. Adults with less education or who make less money also continue to have the highest overall obesity rates.

By improving access to healthy food and increasing opportunities for exercise we can take important steps toward combating this persistent problem. Find examples of effective programs and policies that improve community health on the County Health Rankings website.