Study shows obesity rates still rising

By MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Most parents think childhood obesity is a problem. Just not their kids' problem.

An annual obesity report by two public health groups includes a new survey of parental attitudes about the issue. The survey shows an increasing awareness of obesity and its threat to public health, though 84 percent of parents say their children are at a healthy weight even though more than a third of children are considered overweight or obese.

The study released Tuesday by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation also shows that obesity rates increased in 28 states last year. Mississippi continued its six-year reign as the country's fattest state.