Waistlines keep expanding in 31 states

Mississippi and other poor areas weigh down the obesity list

“Populations are not equal in terms of experiencing these health problems,” Collins said. “Low-income populations tend to experience all the health problems we worry about at greater rates.”

The report says the health costs associated with obesity are in the billions of dollars annually. Citing a 2004 report, the advocacy group said $5.6 billion could be saved when it comes to treating heart disease if just one-tenth of Americans began a regular walking program.

Waistlines keep expanding around the globe

Urbanization, Western ways adding to the world's weight problem

"Obesity has become a problem of poverty," says Daniel Epstein of the WHO Regional Office of the Americas. “Poor people have an easier time of eating junk food. People fill up on things that have a high caloric value but little nutritional value.”