(RALEIGH) -- A state-by-state health assessment of the nation's health shows that North Carolina ranked 32nd among the healthiest states in the country. Dr. Rhonda Randall of the United Health Foundation says obesity has become more prevalent in North Carolina.

"Obesity leads to several different preventable diseases. Diabetes is a common one, heart disease is important as well, as well as some preventable cancers and osteoarthritis, which is issues with your joints," she says.

The study found that the overall health of the country did not improve between 2010 and 2011 - a marked change from the small but consistent annual rates of improvement since 2000.