I don't disagree that the South has more prevalent health issues, but really?
The quadrangle has an average adult obesity rate of 35% to 37%. Wichita, KCMO/KCKS, Omaha - Council Bluffs, Des Moines, St. Louis are rated as some of the most obese cities in these United States.
The heart of the KC Metro: A southern life expectancy emulation