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America is facing a big health problem. More and more people are becoming overweight, and it's happening in many states.
In 2022, some surprising data was shared. In 22 states, at least 35% of adults were overweight. Just think, ten years ago, not one state had numbers like this. And the year before, in 2021, it was 19 states. So, the problem is growing.
Now, if we talk about which states are most affected, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and West Virginia are on top of the list. More than 4 out of every 10 adults in these states are overweight. When we see the bigger picture, the Midwest and the South have the most people with weight issues, with 36% of adults affected. The Northeast and West are a bit better but still have a problem, with 3 out of every 10 adults being overweight.
But there's more to this story. Different groups of people face different challenges. Black adults, for instance, have high numbers in 38 states. The same is true for American Indian people in 33 states and Hispanic folks in 32 states. Good news? Asian adults have lower numbers in all states. And for white people? Only 14 states show high numbers.
Age and school also play a role. Younger people, between 18 to 24 years, are doing better with only 1 out of 5 being overweight. But this number goes up for people aged 45 to 54. Also, the more you learn, the better your health seems to be. People who study more seem to have less weight issues.
So, why are more people becoming overweight?
It's not just about eating too much or not exercising. Being overweight is complicated. It can be about your family genes, the food you eat, how active you are, how well you sleep, and even some medicines you might take. Dr. Karen Hacker, a big boss at the CDC’s health center, says we need to tackle this problem in many ways. She believes that to make things better, people need good healthcare, cheap healthy food, and safe places to play or exercise.
In short, America's weight issue needs attention. It's not just about personal choices. We need the help and support of everyone - friends, family, and even our towns and cities. By working together, we can make America healthier.