Is Georgia one of the most overweight states in America?

ajc.com

Want to know how Georgia ranks on the scale of the nation's "fattest" states? It's among the top 20, according to a new study.

» RELATED: Georgia one of America's fattest states: WalletHub

The State of Obesity recently released its annual report, which examines obesity across the nation, and The Peach State came in at No. 20. West Virginia was No. 1.

Researchers determine the results by gathering information from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a data set designed to measure behavioral risk factors such as BMI, physical inactivity, diabetes, hypertension and consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The analysis spanned the 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

» RELATED: Cobb, Fulton least obese counties in Georgia

Georgia's adult obesity rate is 31.4 percent, according to the data. It is up from 20.6 percent in 2000 and from 10.1 percent in 1990.

The report also found that the most overweight age group was 45-64 with an obesity rate of 37.1 percent. The second worst age group was 26-44. Its obesity rate was 31.7 percent.

As for childhood obesity, Georgia was No. 36. for ages 2 to 4, and it was No. 17 for ages 10 to 17, and it factored in race and health history.

The report did note the policies that Georgia is taking to combat obesity. It highlighted regulations for nutritional guidelines, physical activity and even drinking water.

» RELATED: Lose the belly pooch: 7 do’s and don’ts to accomplish a flat stomach

Want to know how other areas fared? Take a look at the top 20 below, and see the full results here.

20 most obese states in the U.S.

1. West Virginia

2. Mississippi

3. Alabama

4. Arkansas

5. Louisiana

6. Tennessee

7. Kentucky

8. Texas

9. Oklahoma

10. Michigan

10. Indiana

12. South Carolina

13. Nebraska

13. Iowa

15. North Dakota

16. North Carolina

17. Missouri

18. Illinois

19. Ohio

20. Georgia