Weighty Matters: Louisiana's Obesity Problem | February 2012 | Public Square

What factors in Louisiana’s lifestyle – and history - contribute to its weight problems? Louisiana’s obesity rate has risen 14.5 percent over the last 15 years, making it the 5th most overweight state. For the percentage of obese children, Louisiana rises to 4th place, with nearly 21 percent of ten to seventeen-year olds facing this condition. What factors in Louisiana’s lifestyle – and history - contribute to its weight problems? How does obesity impact other Louisiana health conditions and costs? And where should the line be drawn between personal responsibility and legislative intervention?