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Washington residents smoking less, but they're fatter

Obesity rates have climbed sharply in Washington state in the past 20 years.
examiner.com
Obesity rates have climbed sharply in Washington state in the past 20 years.

Washington state ranks 11th among all states in overall health according to the annual survey  "America's Health Rankings."  The survey is produced by the American Public Health Association, the United Health Foundation and Parnership for Prevention using data from a number of sources including the Centers for Disease Control.

On the plus side, smoking rates have dropped dramatically in Washington since 1990. From 28 percent down to 15 percent.  But we're heavier than we used to be. The obesity rate has climbed from 9 percent to 15 percent in the past 20 years.

The report says Vermont is the number one state in the country for overall health.

Paula is a former host, reporter and producer who retired from KNKX in 2021. She joined the station in 1989 as All Things Considered host and covered the Law and Justice beat for 15 years. Paula grew up in Idaho and, prior to KNKX, worked in public radio and television in Boise, San Francisco and upstate New York.