Oklahoma now in the top ten for most obese population

Twelve states have very high obesity rates

A new government survey shows 12 states now have very high obesity rates.

Overall, 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. For the first time, households with only cell phones were included.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday that 31.1 percent of Oklahomans were classified as obese in 2011. That's up slightly from the 2010 rate of 30.4 percent.

Colorado was lowest, at just under 21 percent, and Mississippi was highest at nearly 36 percent.

State rates remained about the same although states with very high rates went 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.

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Online:

CDC state obesity data: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

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