Number of states with high obesity rates doubled since 2018, says CDC

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of US states with high obesity levels has almost doubled in the space of two years, official figures reveal. We will need to acknowledge existing health disparities and health inequities and address the social determinants of health such as poverty and lack of health care access if we are to ensure health equity.” A report from the non-profit group Trust for America’s Health said the coronavirus pandemic had exacerbated the problem by forcing many people to reduce their physical activity. “The pandemic has placed many people and communities at greater risk of changing eating habits because of those social and economic disruptions,” said the Trust’s chief executive J Nadine Gracia. Fatima Cody Stanford, a doctor and obesity researcher at Harvard Medical School, told USA Today that stress was “the number one cause we see for shift in weight”, saying it could lead to over-eating and new food cravings.