Econintersect: The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index includes among its data collection survey questions about obesity. The Well-Being Index includes 2.2 million surveys, captures how people feel about and experience their daily lives, and measures well-being across five elements — purpose, social, financial, community and physical. This article presents the findings about obesity and how it is related to the five well-being elements.
Nationally, the incidence of obesity is at its highest level, rising to 27.7% in 2014, up from 27.1% in 2013 and significantly above the 25.5% recorded in 2008. Obesity rates are highest in Southern and Midwestern states and lowest in Western and Northeastern states, a pattern that has persisted since we began measurement.
The report ranks the states from lowest to highest obesity. The top 25 are shown on the next table.
Also there are rankings for 100 U.S. communities. The top 25 (lowest obesity) are shown in the following table.
For the complete report, click on the report cover image below:
Source:
- State of American Well-Being: 2014 Obesity Rankings (Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index)
