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Fewer Minnesotans obese than anywhere else in Midwest

Saint Paul Pioneer Press - 9/12/2018

Sept. 13--Minnesota again has the lowest rate of obesity in the Upper Midwest, according to 2017 figures released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control.

For the first time, it also has the lowest rate among 12 midwestern states.

The CDC survey found 28.4 percent of Minnesota adults self-reported they were obese, which makes Minnesota the only midwestern state below 30 percent.

Rates for neighboring states were 36.4 percent in Iowa, 33.2 percent in North Dakota, 32 percent in Wisconsin and 31.9 percent in South Dakota.

Minnesota's obesity rate began increasing in 1995 but has been below the national average since 2007. The CDC's latest report indicates 30.1 of Americans are obese.

Researchers from the Minnesota Department of Health say that physical activity and diet are the primary factors contributing to the low rate.

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said the numbers indicate the importance of healthy lifestyle initiatives, including the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, called SHIP.

Each year, $17.5 million from Minnesota'sHealth Care Access Fund is spent under the SHIP umbrella to support healthier communities and promote walking and biking.

For more information, visit health.state.mn.us.

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(c)2018 the Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.)

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