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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Colorado is the leanest state in America after an obesity report by two public health groups compared state-by-state statistics.

Colorado has the lowest obesity rate with 19.8 percent of adults considered obese. The study, based on data from 2010, said a dozen states top 30 percent obesity, most of them in the south. Mississippi is the fattest state with an obesity rate above 30 percent.

"Kids nowadays struggle with doing a simple forward roll. When you and I were growing up it was easy," Jaime Alvarado, an exerciser, said.

Colorado's obesity rate has more than doubled since 1995 which means that more than one of every five Coloradans is obese and at the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heat disease and stroke.

Colorado's 19.8 percent obesity rate would have been the highest in the nation in 1985.

The study shows racial and ethnic minorities and those with less education have the highest obesity rates. Obesity rates for African-Americans topped 40 percent in 15 states, while whites topped 30 percent in four states.

But if you're feeling discouraged about getting in shape, it's never too late to start working out.

"I would say start slow, it's recommended 3-5 days a week for 10 minutes working up to 30 minutes, that would be great," Shaunae Medina with the Southeast YMCA in Colorado Springs said.

Remember, anything that gets you moving and heart rate up is good for your health.