That's indeed the case in a number of states whose residents are tipping the scales and putting themselves at risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.

As previously reported, Texas had five cities make the list of "Fattest in America" that included mainly southern cities like Dallas and Birmingham.

So did the south slim down and redeem themselves, or is obesity still on the rise?

The Huffington Post has composed a list of America's Most Obese States showing the percentage of the population that fits into that category...check it out below.

Designed to combat the health devouring monster known as obesity, which is especially prevalent within the Black community, faculty and staff at the Philadelphia Historically Black College have instituted a program on campus  aimed to force students to shed pounds at the risk of not being able to graduate when the time comes to do so.

"We know we're in the midst of an obesity epidemic," explained chairman of Lincoln's department of health, physical education and recreation, James L. DeBoy. "We have an obligation to address this head on, knowing full well there's going to be some fallout."

Though obviously created in good spirit, the move comes as a rude awakening for many clinically obese students at the campus, of which, many are in the midst of their senior year.

Most argue that the mandate only singles out bigger students, whereas, if it were actually meant to increase the health awareness of students on campus by promoting physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, all students would be involved, not just the ones that appear to be fat or in need of a “change.”

According to clinical standards, a normal body mass index ranges from 18.5 to 24.9 with anyone ranging above those figures considered medically obese. Lincoln Students that reside among that range are required to successfully take “Fitness for Life,” which can be classified as a glorified gym class that meets for three hours a week.

As of the start of Fall semester, 16% of Lincoln's senior class has not had their BMI taken or attempted to complete the course.