Better jump on the treadmill, Arizona. The state’s residents are just as obese as ever, according to statistics released Monday.

Arizona’s adult obesity rate was projected at 21.7 percent, making it the 43rd-heaviest state in the nation, according to Trust for America’s Health, a research group that focuses on disease prevention.

That rate was an increase of just under a percentage point from the previous survey.

While only seven states were less obese than Arizona, Trust for America spokeswoman Laura Segal said the numbers still are troubling.

“While states like Arizona are on the lower end of the spectrum, it’s still pretty alarming from a health point of view,” Segal said. “It’s putting people at increased risk for a range of health problems.”

States that weighed less than Arizona include Montana, Massachusetts and Hawaii. Colorado was the leanest state at an obesity rate of 17.6 percent. Mississippi was the heaviest state at a rate of 30.6 percent.

azcentral.com