Texas Has the Second Highest Childhood Obesity Rate According to Study

By THC Staff | November 10, 2017

 

WalletHub recently compiled data from government and national health organizations to make specific lists of states and their relationship with obesity. Texas popped up on two of the lists including the 11th fattest state overall and the highest percentage of obese children (coming in at number two). The highest percentage went to Mississippi, and the lowest went to New Hampshire. They write that the percentage difference between childhood obesity rate in Mississippi was three times worse than New Hampshire’s.

Interestingly, Wallet Hub even compiled each state’s favorite comfort food. Texas’ is apparently the “Texas Brisket.” But they write that the main factors when it comes to developing obesity are a lack of exercise and sleep, emotional instability, and genetics.

According to America’s Health Rankings from the United Health Foundation, “Childhood obesity alone is responsible for $14.1 billion in annual medical costs. Obese children who maintain healthy weights as adults spend an additional $19,000 in medical costs over their lifetime directly related to childhood obesity.” They write that the Healthy People 2020 Initiative (started by the Department of Health and Human Service in 2010) hopes to reduce obesity in young people by 10 percent in the near future. Find out more about the government initiative here.