https://apnews.com/c37c1807022147b198296c593790dae8

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A report shows the obesity rate in Arkansas has increased among public school and state employees and their spouses.

The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement's analysis reveals that nearly 48% of such workers and their partners last year reported a height and weight classifying them as obese, compared to about 44% the year before. It found the average cost to its health plan of covering obese employees or spouses was $690, compared with $535 for non-obese personnel.