Kentucky is "pound for pound" one of the most obese states in the country, according to a new report.

The Commonwealth ranks 7th in the nation for obesity.

For the 3rd time in three years, Kentucky has increased the amount of obese people within its borders.

Right now, 29% of its residents are fighting the "Battle of the Bulge".

"I think that we've just come through several different generations now in Kentucky, its been more about eating and exercise hasn't been a major concern," says fitness instructor, Allison Millett.

Moving Kentucky high on the list of Diabetes and Hypertension cases as well as obesity.

Though these numbers are going up rapidly... some people are starting to take a stand.

"People are becoming more aware of how important it is to eat healthy," says Bowling Green's Nutri-System owner, Rebecca Shipley.

Fast meals and greasy foods pose the biggest problem to maintaining a healthy weight, along with having babies for women.

Fitness instructor and mother Allison Millett works out in spite of being a busy mother by making her son and his stroller a part of the workout.

"So if you don't want to participate in a 5-k race or you don't want to go to the gym, get out and walk with your children. Make it a game, play hide and seek, play tag. It doesn't have to be exercise, jumping jacks and push-ups to be a workout," says Millet.

That's why Leslee Harris and Rosalind Kidwell have been frequenting "Zumba" dance class, and take better care in watching what they eat.

"To get in shape. We both have kids and we want to live a long and productive life and you can only do that by being healthy," says Harris.

Since getting on a workout plan less than a year ago, both ladies have shed nearly 100 pounds a piece and say they hope others start taking ownership of their health, as well.

"I always feel like they need to get on the bandwagon too for their health," says Harris.

Nationally, adult obesity rose in 37 states over the past year, which is an increase from only 19 states last year.