Understanding Obesity in the US

       While this study may be prone to error and uncertainty, it has still produced some interesting findings.  First, despite regional variations, there does seem to be a link between energy consumption and physical activity within the US.  On top of this, low physical activity appears to be one of the largest causes of obesity.  By combining these two facts, as well as the correlation found between urban regions and lower obesity, we can deduce that urban planning may be one of the largest contributors to the American obesity crisis.  A reversal of urban and rural sprawl may be necessary in order to combat this issue in those regions that do not take part in “gym culture” (ie. central America and the South).  The extension of public transit, and pedestrian designated walk ways, to less central regions may be useful in bringing back daily activity.
       The findings related to poverty are also particularly interesting.  While we often link poverty to obesity on the food side of the equation (ie. unhealthy foods are cheaper than healthy foods), it is also true that being active in this day and age is expensive as well.  Because we no longer get exercise through our daily routines, many turn to group sports or the gym as a means of activity.  Yet sports, dance lessons and monthly gym memberships are incredibly expensive.  Perhaps the subsidisation of these sorts of activities could prove useful in the fight against obesity in addition to subsidized healthy eating programs.  As well, this poverty link may suggest a need for the restructuring of the welfare state within certain regions of the US.  
     Overall, while illuminating some of the major causes of obesity, this study also exposes the complexity of solving this issue.  While this simple geographical approach provides some intriguing findings, much more research is needed in order to confirm the results and gain further understanding of the issue.