Gallup Obesity Survey Shows Georgia in Middle of the Pack

That’s why some health officials believe the data should be taken with a grain of salt.

“It’s not like the data the CDC does where they actually go out and weigh and measure people really.  So you do have to look at this with a jaundiced eye,” says Connie Crawley, a registered dietician with the University of Georgia.

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Plus, she says, some people might have stretched the truth with the researchers.

“Typically people over-estimate their height, and under-estimate their weight.  So it’s quite feasible that actually the statistics are worse than they look.  That sounds sad, but it’s possible.”

Mississippi has the highest obesity rate, Montana had the lowest.  Georgia is roughly in the middle of the pack.

But, there is room for improvement, nationwide.

“When you look at the statistics of this study, the group that’s increasing the most are middle-aged people.  And what happens with middle-aged people, is they tend to increase their weight as they get older.  So, if they’re already getting to have a problem now, it’s probably only going to get worse,” says Crawley.

As for tips for losing weight, Crawley recommends 30-minute walks at least a few times a week and adding one low-calorie vegetable to lunches and dinners.