Obesity by the numbers

California’s rate of obesity is fifth lowest in the nation, but remains significantly higher than in decades past, a report finds.

The study, collaborated on by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that 24.1 percent of California residents are obese—defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher, according to California Healthline. But that rate was 9.9 percent in 1990 and 21.5 percent in 2004. West Virginia and Mississippi shared the highest rate of obesity, at 35.1 percent, while Colorado had the lowest at 21.3 percent.

California has implemented a series of public policies aimed at curbing obesity rates, the report noted, including new physical education requirements and overhauled nutrition standards in schools.

To view the full report, which categorizes obesity rates by age groups, income, location and race, go to www.stateofobesity.org/states/ca.