CDC data show more than one-quarter of Americans are obese

WASHINGTON Obesity rates in the United States have exceeded 25 percent, according to government statistics released Thursday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that between 2005 and 2007, the percentage of Americans who are obese increased from 24 percent to 25.6 percent. Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi had the highest rates—30 percent—while Colorado had the lowest, less than 19 percent.

Obesity means having a body-mass index of 30 or more. Obese people are at increased risk of coronary disease, cancer, diabetes and other health problems.