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Updated: 11:09 AM Nov 18, 2009
Kentucky one of most obese states
Obesity is one of Kentucky’s primary concerns, according to the report. It increased 148 percent between 1990, when 12.2 percent of the state’s residents were considered obese, and 2009, when 30.2 percent were deemed obese.
Posted: 8:40 AM Nov 18, 2009Reporter: Mark Kennedy Email Address: mark.kennedy@wkyt.com |
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39 Comments 
Only nine states are less healthy than Kentucky, according to the 2009 edition of America’s Health Rankings, an annual report published by the United Health Foundation, the nonprofit arm of health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc.
Vermont was ranked the overall healthiest state. Mississippi was the least healthy. Kentucky ranked No. 41 on the list. Indiana Ranked No. 35.
The report focused on concerns such as obesity, smoking, binge drinking, access to health care, health policies, community and environmental conditions, and clinical care data.
Kentucky ranked No. 47 in overall change in the health of its residents over the past 20 years.
Obesity is one of Kentucky’s primary concerns, according to the report. It increased 148 percent between 1990, when 12.2 percent of the state’s residents were considered obese, and 2009, when 30.2 percent were deemed obese.
If obesity rates in Kentucky continue to increase at their current levels, obesity is projected to cost the state $6 billion, or $1,836 per adult, in health care spending, according to the report.
While obesity is on the rise in Kentucky, the number of smokers has declined.
According to the report, 25.2 percent of Kentucky’s residents smoked in 2009, compared with 35.3 percent in 1990.
Other bright spots for Kentucky include a low prevalence of binge drinking and a low incidence of infectious diseases. The state ranked No. 4 for binge drinking and No. 19 for infectious diseases, with 10.1 cases per 100,000 residents.
Plenty of work to be done
Kentucky’s overall ranking of 41st is two spots below its 2008 ranking.
Although obesity helped pull down the ranking, a high percentage of children in poverty and a high rate of preventable hospitalizations also dragged down the state’s average.
Kentucky ranked 48th in the poverty ranking, with 24.4 percent of the state’s children living in poverty. The state ranked No. 49 for preventable hospitalizations, as a rate of 106.9 per 1,000 Medicare enrollees, according to the report.
The full report can be viewed at www.americashealthrankings.org.
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Latest Comments
To Anon in Powell County, we all know that people do not always watch their children. I also know it is impossible to shield them from everything (not that they would grow if you did). But what was the point in saying there are not 57 states? I don't understand the point you were trying to make. This story does not go by sheer numbers. In terms of the CDC, World Health Organization, and Dept of Health & Human Services, Kentucky has a higher PERCENTAGE of overweight and obese people. Larger states may have more obese people in terms of numbers, but percentages level the playing field. And to your comment about watching children... apparently some parents don't even want their children to hear the President. What is he going to corrupt them with? It is people with a hatred for our President (I'm not even going to touch the race card) and anything he does people cast a negative light. Give the guy a chance! People in Ky are unhealthy. Get out and exercise. Have you heard of 2nd Sunday?
to two cents,every body knows that SOME parents don't watch their children,they would rather obama,the congress,and school system babysit for them 24/7.the point of this stupid made up story is obesity.two cents you need to really think,there are 50 states in the union,not 57.what is the population of ky?how many other states have by far a larger population?there are probably more obese people in the most populace states than the entire population of ky.liberals have been attacking ky for years because we are a conservative state they want to turn east ky against the rest of the state,they want to do western ky the same way,they want to divide ky into five regions all pitted against each other and it hasn't worked,so they keep trying with one lie after another.repetition of a lie is all this story is and ever will be.
I am not saying that quitting smoking is a bad thing, but there will be weight gain as a result. Depending upon how active an individual is will determine if this gain in weight is temporary or permanent. With that said, if people would stop drinking soft drinks, eating fast food, and do some exercise, they may feel better, look better, and live longer. Also, watch for the levels of high fructose corn syrup on food labels. Beware. Lower sodium intake. Digestive enzyme supplements are a healthy and natural way to help shed the weight. They work. Natural food stores carry these. Buy local. Eat fresh.
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