ATLANTA (AP) _ The obesity rate is rising in Kansas.

The Centers for Disease Control says a survey shows that 27.7 percent of Kansans were obese in 2007, up from 25.9 in 2006. The national rate for last year was 25.6 percent, up from 15.3 percent in 1995.

The obesity rate in part of the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The rate is calculated by body mass index -- or BMI -- based on weights and heights reported by survey respondents.

Having a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered optimal, 25 to 29.9 is overweight and 30 or greater is obese. A 5-foot-7-inch man or woman would be overweight at 159 pounds and obese at 191 pounds.