Posted on Aug 19, 2013

A new study shows that although obesity rates among adults are still very high, but they seem to be stabilizing and showing signs of less growth. A person with extreme obesity is considered to be 100 pounds or more overweight. And although Arkansas is the only state to show increases in adult and child obesity, 36% of U.S. men and women considered extremely obese has shown signs of stabilization in recent years.

The analysis, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, underscored America's continuing battle with weight. Obesity rates were highest in the South and Midwest in states including Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma. In addition to geographic differences, rates were higher for people with less education and lower incomes, it found.

It is thought that the stabilized rate in obesity in the United States is due many reasons including, calorie values posted on menus, better food options in schools, soda consumption being looked down upon, and an overall awareness that obesity is a serious issue throughout the country. Although obesity rates appear to be stable, lowering the amount of obese Americans is imperative today and in the years to come.