Strange Maps

This map demonstrates the adult obesity rates in different states. When looking at this map, it is immediately clear that the eastern states have a larger obese adult population compared the the west. In particular the southern states have high obesity levels in adults with Mississippi having the highest rates. Perhaps this is because they generally have lower incomes so they can't afford to buy healthier food. Colorado, Utah and Montana have the lowest levels; perhaps this is because there's a more outdoor lifestyle in these states. California also has one of the lowest levels; I think this is because there's more of a pressure to look good in California due to the filming industry Hollywood in LA. While looking for maps I also came across a map showing the density of McDonalds in America:

This map does correlate with the obesity map: again the east has a higher concentration of McDonalds while the west has the least. This leads to the question whether fast food chains are causing the big problem of obesity in the States; these maps suggest that they are. Although it's not that simple, it's more likely that you'll go to McDonalds if you have one near you than if the nearest one is miles away.