The rate of obesity varies across different demographic characteristics with higher rates in rural areas, in areas characterized by food deserts, and across different race and ethnic groups.

Obesity is a health problem that can lead to several types of chronic diseases, especially diabetes.  In Arkansas, more than 7 in 10 (almost 71 percent) of adults are either overweight or obese. People who live in the counties with the shortest life expectancies are even more likely to be overweight or obese.

A lack of physical activity can hinder a person’s ability to maintain a healthy weight and is a top cause of chronic diseases.