Many people associate the U.S. with being overweight and consuming too much junk food, and while that is an overblown stereotype, over 40% of U.S. adults are considered obese.
WalletHub analyzed the 100 most populated U.S. cities across 19 key indicators of weight-related issues to determine which cities have the highest overweight and obese populations.
These indicators include the share of adults and children with obesity, health consequences, access to healthy food, and lifestyle choices. Here are the cities struggling the most with obesity.
1. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas
The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area takes the top spot with the highest obese population, achieving an overall score of 85.93, where higher numbers indicate a more overweight and obese demographic.
This region faces significant challenges, ranking as the second-worst for both health consequences and fitness.
The combination of these factors underscores a critical need for targeted interventions to improve health outcomes and promote healthier lifestyles within the community.
2. Memphis Metro Area
The Memphis metro area, which includes regions in Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas, secured a score of 84.88 on the obesity and overweight scale.
This area faces substantial health challenges, holding the third-highest rate of fitness and health consequences.
Residents in this region may experience issues such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and inadequate healthy food consumption, contributing to the area’s high ranking.
Addressing these health concerns will require a multi-faceted approach that includes improving access to healthcare.
3. Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama, carries some weight, holding the second-highest population of obese and overweight residents in the study.
Despite this, it ranks 21st for food and fitness, giving it third place among cities with the most overweight and obese residents, with an overall score of 84.52.
The city’s unique position indicates a complex interplay of factors contributing to obesity, beyond just food and fitness aspects. To combat this, Mobile can focus on comprehensive strategies that address socio-economic factors.
4. Knoxville, Tennessee
The Knoxville metro area is experiencing a troubling rate of health consequences due to obesity, ranking highest in this critical category.
This alarming position suggests that a significant portion of its residents may be grappling with conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Addressing these severe health consequences will require a concerted effort focused on early detection, prevention, and comprehensive management of obesity-related diseases.
5. Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, rounds out the top five most overweight and obese cities, achieving an overall score of 84.18.
The city faces significant health challenges, ranking sixth-worst in the health consequences category.
This high ranking underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the health and well-being of its residents.
Efforts should focus on enhancing access to quality healthcare, promoting healthier eating habits through education and community programs.
6. Chattanooga Metro Area
The Chattanooga metro area, which includes parts of Tennessee and Georgia, received the most weighted points for its rate of obese and overweight residents. It also scored high among health consequences and inadequate healthy food and fitness.
This combination of factors highlights the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the root causes of obesity and improve overall health outcomes. Strategies should include promoting healthier eating habits and increasing access to nutritious foods.
7. Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, Arkansas
Little Rock stands out with the highest ranking for the share of overweight residents and projected obesity rate by 2030 among the 100 metros studied.
It also faces a notable challenge with a lack of access to healthy food in many areas, resulting in an overall score of 83.74.
Addressing these critical issues will require a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves policymakers, community organizations, and residents.
8. Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana
The Shreveport-Bossier City metro area earned 83.46 points overall, securing a place among the top ten for multiple obesity-related metrics. It is the fourth-worst overall regarding health consequences for its residents.
The city can implement targeted interventions such as community-based nutrition programs, increased access to affordable and healthy food options, and initiatives promoting regular physical activity. Additionally, public health campaigns and policy changes can play a crucial role.
9. Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama
The Birmingham-Hoover metro area faces significant challenges due to considerable food deserts, which contribute to poor health consequences for its residents.
It scored 82.37 points overall. The city needs to take strategic action such as establishing community gardens, supporting local farmers’ markets, and attracting grocery stores to underserved areas.
Complementing these efforts with nutrition education programs and initiatives promoting physical activity can empower residents to make healthier choices.
10. Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia faces several obesity-related problems, scoring 81.64 points overall. It ranks seventh-worst in the nation for the food and fitness category, with limited access to healthy foods and physically inactive adults.
The city should focus on comprehensive interventions that include enhancing access to affordable and nutritious food options, creating safe and accessible spaces for physical activity, and implementing community-based health education programs.
Causes and Effects
The availability of fast food can negatively impact American diets, yet there are factors beyond personal control that contribute to obesity.
A study by the National Library of Medicine suggests that the connection between obesity, inactivity, and poverty accounts for 70% of U.S. health costs.
The additional weight carried by Americans has driven obesity-related medical treatment costs to approximately $190.2 billion a year, alongside roughly $4.3 billion in annual productivity losses stemming from work absenteeism.
Alicia Richards