Louisiana has the sixth-highest obesity rate among adults, and the problem continues to escalate.

Those findings are part of a national report released this week that shows Louisiana's rate tops 36 percent. That's up from around 23 percent in 2000.

The information comes from the nonpartisan Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The demographic in Louisiana with the biggest cause for concern is the 45 to 64-year-old group, with an obesity rate reaching 43 percent. The data further shows a disparity by race, with nearly 43 percent of black adults in Louisiana considered obese compared to 33 percent of white adults.

According to the report, Louisiana is one of seven states where adult obesity rates exceed 35 percent of the population.

West Virginia ranks highest at 38 percent while Colorado is lowest at just under 23 percent.

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