According to a new report:
Adult obesity rates have risen significantly, from 15 percent in 19804 to 19.4 percent in 1997 to 24.5 percent in 2004. It should be noted that the federal government slightly lowered the threshold for what should be considered “overweight” and “obese” in 1998 to make it more reflective of maintaining good health, however, the trend of quickly rising levels of obesity are still very clear.
and
According to projections, 73 percent of American adults could be overweight (34 percent) or obese (39 percent) by 2008.
Tennessee is doing its part, ranking 5th with 25.6 percent of adults being obese. Interestingly, seven of the top ten fattest states are in the Southeast. Looks like it’s a Southern thing.