Where Texas Measures Up

CalorieLab (http://www.calorielab.com/) computed the fattest state rankings for this year (2008) based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System database maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Texas came in at #16 with 27.2% of the Texas population considered Obese and 65.8% of the Texas population considered to be Obese AND Overweight. Mississippi took the #1 spot as the fattest state and Colorado was #50 as the leanest. The good news is that in 2007 Texas was #12...so we are improving. But being the 16th fattest state out of 50 isn't exactly something to jump for joy over!

According to the National Health Institute (NIH), "Overweight" is defined as a body mass index (BMI) value of 27.3% or more for women and 27.8% or more in men. "Obesity" is defined as a BMI of 30 and above. (Notable, some very muscular people may have a high BMI without health risks)

The body mass index (BMI) equals a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their height in meters (m) squared. Since BMI describes body weight relative to height, it is strongly correlated with total body fat content in adults.

To estimate BMI using pounds and inches, use the weight in pounds (lb) divided by the height in inches (in) squared and multiply the result by 704.5.

These are SCARY stats people!