RAPID CITY - A national expert told lawmakers from 11 Midwestern states Tuesday that health care costs could be cut substantially if Americans lived healthier lifestyles.

Emory University Professor Kenneth Thorpe says many heart disease, diabetes and cancer cases could be prevented if Americans stopped smoking, ate healthier foods and got in shape.

Thorpe says patients with chronic diseases have accounted for two-thirds of the increase in health care spending the past 20 years. He says much of it is linked to obesity.

Shelly Ten Napel, representing a group that studies health care issues, says many states are finding ways to provide health coverage to lower-income people.

About 300 lawmakers are attending Midwestern Legislative Conference sessions in Rapid City.