The prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the U. S. is rather higher in the South and Appalachian region than in most areas of the West Northeast as per the CDC.

The CDC, in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, estimates obesity and diabetes prevalence for all 3,141 countries in the U. S. and found distinct geographic patterns for both conditions.

The highest rates of obesity and diabetes are in the West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky which are all in the Appalachian region.

Ann Albright, MD, director of CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation says, "Diabetes is costly in human and economic terms, and it's urgent that we take action to prevent and control this serious disease, the study shows strong regional patterns of diabetes and can help focus prevention efforts where they are most needed."

It is estimated by the nation that about $147 billion are spent in medical costs for obesity and about $116 billion for diabetes.

About 24 million people have diabetes including 5.7 million who have yet not been diagnosed.