Areport by two public health groups finds obesity rates continue to climb in South Carolina.
The Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reported Thursday that nearly 31 percent of South Carolinians are obese. The same report found 66 percent of the state's residents are overweight.
South Carolina is the nation's eighth fattest state. Mississippi had the highest obesity rate at 34 percent.
The report says higher obesity rates lead to higher health care costs. The groups want governments to help provide better school lunches and policies that will encourage more active lifestyles.
That's already happening in Spartanburg, where the Mary Black Foundation is sprucing up playgrounds, building walking trails and supporting the local farmers market in an effort to encourage healthier living.
