The Fattest States List

While moving to a new state likely won't make you fat or skinny, not all states are equal when it comes to obesity rates, according to a new Gallup poll finding that Colorado has the fewest obese residents.

The results are based on interviews of 177,237 Americans, ages 18 and older, conducted in January through June. Participants reported their height and weight, from which the researchers calculated body mass index. For this survey, BMI scores of 30 or higher were considered obese.

Read the full story about the Gallup poll. And here are tips for losing weight.

States listed by percentage of residents who are considered obese:

  • Colorado: 20.1 percent
  • Utah: 21.6 percent
  • Connecticut: 21.7 percent
  • California: 22.1 percent
  • Rhode Island: 22.1 percent
  • Massachusetts: 22.6 percent
  • New Jersey: 22.6 percent
  • Nevada: 23.6 percent
  • Minnesota: 23.8 percent
  • Florida: 24.2 percent
  • New Hampshire: 24.4 percent
  • New Mexico: 24.4 percent (22.9)
  • Montana: 24.8 percent
  • Hawaii: 24.8 percent
  • Washington: 25.1 percent
  • Vermont: 25.2 percent
  • Arizona: 25.5 percent
  • Oregon: 25.6 percent
  • Wyoming: 25.7 percent
  • Maine: 25.8 percent
  • New York: 25.8 percent
  • Illinois: 26.5 percent
  • North Carolina: 26.7 percent
  • South Dakota: 26.8 percent
  • Wisconsin: 27.1 percent
  • Alaska: 27.1 percent
  • Georgia: 27.1 percent
  • Maryland: 27.2 percent
  • Virginia: 27.7 percent
  • Alabama: 27.8 percent
  • Tennessee: 27.8 percent
  • Missouri: 27.8 percent
  • Nebraska: 28.1 percent
  • Idaho: 28.1 percent
  • Michigan: 28.2 percent
  • Pennsylvania: 28.2 percent
  • Iowa: 28.3 percent
  • Kansas: 28.3 percent
  • Texas: 28.7 percent
  • Arkansas: 28.8 percent
  • Ohio: 29.0 percent
  • Kentucky: 29.9 percent
  • Oklahoma: 30.2 percent
  • North Dakota: 30.2 percent
  • Indiana: 30.5 percent
  • South Carolina: 30.6 percent
  • Louisiana: 31.2 percent
  • Mississippi: 32.1 percent
  • Delaware: 33.6 percent
  • West Virginia: 34.3 percent

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Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.