Floridians have packed on the pounds in the past 15 years, with 62.6 percent of Floridians now considered overweight or obese. That's up from just 49.1 percent in 1995. Not exactly a pretty picture for a state where swimsuits are considered customary growth. Though, Florida's rank among states has actually dropped as other states have gotten a lot fatter a lot faster.
According to the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's annual F as in Fat report, 26.1 percent of Floridians are now considered obese. That's up from 14.3 percent in 1995. That's about an 80 percent rise.
The combined rate of overweight and obese Floridians is now 62.6 percent, up from 49.1 percent in 95 and 54.7 percent in 2000.
Though, back in 1995 Florida was considered the 26th fattest state. Now we're only the 29th. Meaning the obesity epidemic has hit other states much harder.
The weight gain has had an impact on Floridians' health Today 9.9 percent of Floridians suffer from diabetes, up from 5.7 in 1995. The Hypertension rate is up to 29 percent from 23.8 percent.
The epidemic has hit some groups harder than others. 38.8 percent of Blacks and 28.7 percent of Latinos in Florida are considered obese. Just 24.1 percent of Whites are.
33 percent of Floridians who did not finish high school are considered obese, compared to just 21.5 percent who finished college or technical training.
33 percent of Floridians who earn less than $15,000 a year are considered obese, compared to just 24.6 percent of those who earn more than $50,000 in a year.
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