According to a study done by the U.S. Government, there are over 70 Million adults in the United States with a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is over 30. A BMI over 30 is an indication that a person is obese. These stats indicate that over 26 percent of the U.S. population is considered obese. This number is up by 1 percent since 2008.

Mississippi is the most obese state in the nation; one known for it’s soul food, and fried “anything”. The state with the least number of obese individuals is one known for skiing and mountain climbing. It is Colorado.

The study also shows that there tends to be demographic differences among the obese. 36.8 percent of African American adults were considered obese, including 41 percent of African American Women. Hispanics also saw an increase in obesity when compared to other nationalities. 30 Percent of Hispanic adults had a BMI of over 30.

What can be done about this ever growing problem in America? There have been ideas thrown around, which include taxing certain “junk” foods, and enforcing the availability of nutritional information at restaurants. Whether any of these things can actually help, has yet to be seen, but something needs to be done.