There's good and not-so-good news for Hawai'i in terms of obesity, with the state doing well compared to most of the rest of the nation, while an increasing number of its residents are characterized as obese.

The study by the Trust for America's Health said Hawai'i ranked 47th in terms of obese adults, tying Connecticut as having one of the lowest rates in the nation.

But Hawai'i's position in the ranking was down from 50th a year ago as the percentage of obese Hawai'i adults increased to 20.1 percent of the population from 18.2 percent. That was the biggest percentage point change in the study of all states and the District of Columbia.

Hawai'i was one of 31 states where obesity rose last year, according to "F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America." The report advocates the development of a national plan combating obesity.

"While the obesity epidemic has garnered increased attention, a comparable increase in action has yet to occur," the report said.

"The country needs to develop a plan for combating obesity that is in proportion to the scope and depth of the problem."

Hawai'i is looking at its own programs and today is set to unveil a Hawai'i Physical Activity and Nutrition Plan, with the goal of reducing obesity and chronic disease among state residents. The plan was developed by the state Department of Health and others and includes programs to increase physical activity and improve nutrition through a newly formed coalition.

The F as in Fat report found Mississippi was at the top of the obesity list for the third consecutive year, with almost one in three people (30.6 percent) considered as being obese. In all, Southern states accounted for 10 of 15 states with the highest obesity rates.

Colorado had the lowest ratio of obese people at 17.6 percent.

Other Hawai'i findings in the report included: