Mississippi Leads Growing Obesity Problem

Mississippi remains atop the pile of obesity statistics with the highest rate of any state. Alabama is running a close second and and, um, gaining.

The goal in this nationwide effort to put on the pounds would be, from a health expert's perspective, to get diabetes and raise the risk of cancer and other deadly diseases, and to curb sexual appetites. These are the known side-effects of obesity.

The problem is largely about poor diets. Fewer Americans stick to healthy lifestyle advice — balanced diets and exercise — than was the case 20 years ago, a study earlier this year found.

Alas, as AP reports, the stats became more grim in 23 states this year and did not improve in any state.

There's a huge price to pay: Each obese person on Medicare cost anywhere from $1,400 to $6,000 a year more than a non-obese person, according to AP.

Some researchers have begun to point out that the obese also require the use of more resources for transporting their girth, and they force production of more food than would a thin population, contributing to environmental problems and even global warming.

Should fat people therefore pay more? Some have begun to suggest as much. You Can Vote.

• AP Story / State-by-state ranking

In The Water Cooler, Imaginova's Editorial Director Robert Roy Britt looks at what people are talking about in the world of science and beyond. Find more in the archives and on Twitter.