Gallup and its wellness survey partner Healthways have been studying U.S. obesity trends since 2008, and in 2015, the rate was 28 percent of the population, up from 25.5 percent just seven years earlier.

This worrisome trend comes with a high price, Gallup and Healthways warned — and it's one we don't need to pay.

Related: Obesity could cost society $1 trillion

"As the adult obesity rate continues to rise both nationally and within many states, preventable health care costs will also rise. If states can lower their obesity rates, even modestly, they can achieve significant cost savings and improve their residents' well-being," the study concludes.

But for now, let's look to the states populated with fit, trim, and "right-weighted" folks for motivation:

New Jersey has long been the butt of many jokes, but the Garden State isn't laughing about its decreasing number of obese residents. (Photo: iStock)

10. New Jersey

Sure, a lot of negative stuff has been dumped on New Jersey's shoulders over the years. Horrible freeways, crowded New York exurbs, the rise and fall of MTV's Jersey Shore. But have you spent time there lately? The cities have turned around, and the state is home to people who do not fear summer beachwear. Gallup says that 24.7 percent of the state's population is obese, making it in this year's top 10 for least obese states. (The traffic is still horrible … just ask Chris Christie.)

With places like Arches National Park nearby, Utahans have countless opportunities for hiking and exploring, undoubtedly contributing to the state's low obesity rating. (Photo: iStock)

9. Utah

If you don't like outdoor activities, this is not the place for you. It is undoubtedly a major factor in the state's low obesity rate; in fact, most of the state in this list feature plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Utah's legendary skiing, hiking, and off-the-grid living keeps the state's residents from packing on the pounds. Just 24.5 percent of Utahans are categorized as obese.

New Hampshire boasts easy access to water, wilderness, and fresh eating, making its appearance on Gallup's listing no surprise to its residents. (Photo: iStock)

8. New Hampshire

Ah, the Granite State. New England perhaps deserves more studies on how it has managed to avoid obesity, as both New Hampshire and another Northeastern state (more on that later) top the fittest states in the country. Only 24.3 percent of New Hampshire residents fall under the obese umbrella.

Glacier National Park finds its home in both Montana and Canada, meaning those looking for a rigorous hike can traverse two countries in the same day. (Photo: iStock)

7. Montana 

Another state known for its outdoor recreation boasts a 24.1 percentage of obese residents. Folks in the Big Sky State have plenty of opportunities to get outside with Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest nearby, both known for their vast hiking trails and rugged wilderness. Being outdoorsy in Montana is easy, and apparently, so is staying fit.

Redwoods National Park in northern California is just one of 10 national parks in the state, while Nevada has three. Both states' outdoor opportunities surely motivate their residents to get active in the outdoors. (Photo: iStock)

5. California and Nevada (tie)

These side-by-side locales share the same percentage of obese residents — only 23.9 percent — and find themselves tied in the fifth spot on Gallup's list. We all know the California stereotype about beauty standards, but Nevada's ranking offers insight into the state's true diversity. Many extoll its desert climate and mountainous views as the perfect environment for healthy living, but we're sure some Nevadans allow a cheat day or two while in Sin City.

New Mexico, known for its adobe architecture, has also topped lists for best retiree income and highest employee engagement, in addition to finding its footing in the top five here. (Photo: iStock)

4. New Mexico 

With only 23.7 percent of obese citizens, the Land of Enchantment has one of the lowest costs for annual health care for all adults ($594,673,741 as opposed to Nevada's $786,648,014, according to Gallup). Perhaps the state bird, the greater roadrunner, serves as a reminder for New Mexicans to stay active and healthy.

Known for its rich history, quality universities, and fresh seafood, Massachusetts also is home to one of the country's least obese state populations. (Photo: iStock)

3. Massachusetts 

At 23.6 percent of obese residents, the Northeast takes another top spot with Massachusetts. The New England area reports the second lowest regional obesity rate (26.2 percent), bested only by the West (24.6 percent). The Northeast and West are gradually separating from the Midwest (30 percent) and South (29.9 percent) as those two regions have reported higher increases year over year than the West and Northeast.

Colorado typically finds a home on any list bragging about health and fitness largely because of its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and culture of healthy living. (Photo: iStock)

2. Colorado 

No surprise here, except maybe that it isn't number one. Colorado has consistently been ranked as one of the fittest and healthiest states in the country, and even specific cities have been singled out for their healthy citizens (Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs have all made appearances on certain lists). At 19.8 percent, Colorado certainly has a low amount of obesity, but it isn't Gallup's winner this year.

With many Hawaiians spending their days outside surfing and swimming, it's easy to see why the state has the lowest percentage of obese residents. (Photo: iStock) 

1. Hawaii 

Okay, maybe this one shouldn't be a surprise. Hawaiians live on the beach, which not only acts as a great workout (have you ever tried running on the beach?), but also as an incentive to stay beach-body ready. At 18.5 percent, the state's obesity rate is exactly half the rate of the most obese state in Gallup's report — West Virginia at 37 percent. However, despite the breathtaking views, gorgeous resorts, and outdoor opportunities, Hawaii's cost of living doesn't it always make it a fiscal option.