Despite all the news reports, billboards, and Michelle Obama hula-hooping on the White House lawn, obesity rates rose last year in 28 states.  Obesity rates fell only in one place in the entire union – the District of Columbia  – so maybe the First Lady’s hula-hooping DID help?

The obesity epidemic is especially plaguing the South.  10 out of the top 11 states are Southern states.  Race and economic background also come into play – obesity rates for African-Americans and Latinos were higher than for whites in at least 40 states and D.C.

Before you think the news is too dire, there’s definitely something easy you can do to keep obesity at bay – go for a short, brisk bike ride or walk.   Recent studies have shown that biking even as few as 5 minutes a day can be beneficial.  Women who biked just that 5 minutes per day were less likely to gain weight compared to non-bikers.  Raise that rate up to 4 hours a week and now you’re looking at healthy weight maintenance.   Plus, if you are currently overweight, biking and brisk walking are much easier on the knees and other joints than going for a much more vigorous jog.

Obesity cannot be ignored – its consequences can include coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, infertility, and a rainbow of cancers.   So go for that bike ride – and lay off the sugar!

Photo: ScrapeTV