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Study: 29 Percent Of Illinois Residents Are Obese

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A new state-by-state study has found Illinois just about in the middle of the pack when it comes to the percentage of the population that's obese.

With 29 percent of its adults considered obese, Illinois ranks 28th among the 50 states.

Albert Lang, spokesman for the Trust for America's Health, said baby boomers are the fattest group, while millennials tend to be fitter. He said there's also a racial gap.

"In Illinois, white people have a 28 percent obesity rate, whereas black people have a 40.2 percent rate. So that's one thing, especially when you talk about neighborhoods and communities, you have to focus on ensuring some of the lower income and the black communities have that kind of access to safe places to exercise and fresh foods," Lang said.

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The survey found Arkansas is the fattest state, with almost 36 percent of its adult population obese, and Colorado repeating as the leanest state with a 21 percent rate.

To read the full report, click here.

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