America’s Obesity Crisis: A Deep Dive into the Most Overweight Cities

The United States is grappling with a severe obesity epidemic, a health crisis that not only impacts individual well-being but also strains the nation’s healthcare system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a staggering 42% of U.S. adults are classified as obese. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need to understand the underlying factors contributing to this problem and to identify effective strategies for addressing it.

The causes of obesity are multifaceted, encompassing a complex interplay of factors such as limited access to healthy food options, inadequate nutrition education, and the widespread availability of inexpensive, calorie-dense fast food. The consequences of this epidemic are far-reaching, with obesity-related healthcare costs in America soaring to a staggering $190.2 billion, as recently reported by the National League of Cities.

In an effort to shed light on this critical issue, WalletHub conducted a comprehensive study comparing 100 of the most populated metropolitan areas across 19 key indicators of weight-related problems. The study’s objective was to identify the U.S. cities that are the most overweight and obese in 2024, providing valuable insights into the geographical distribution of this health crisis.

The WalletHub analysis ranked each city based on three primary dimensions: obesity and overweight prevalence, health consequences associated with obesity, and the availability of food and fitness resources. The findings revealed a concerning trend: obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the U.S., imposing a significant financial burden on individuals and the healthcare system.

According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, based in South Carolina, "In the most overweight and obese cities, residents often lack easy access to healthy food and recreation opportunities. Investing in those areas should help improve people’s diets and exercise regimens and reduce the financial burden overall."

The CDC defines obesity as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, while severe obesity is defined as a BMI of 40 or higher.

The Most Overweight Cities in America

The WalletHub study identified the following cities as the most overweight in the country:

1. McAllen, Texas: Ranked as America’s most overweight city, McAllen faces significant challenges related to obesity. Hidalgo County, where McAllen is located, has the highest percentage of obese adults (45%) and physically inactive adults. McAllen itself ranked No. 3 for obesity and overweight, as well as food and fitness, and No. 5 for health consequences. Furthermore, 31% of adults in McAllen are overweight but not obese. The city also struggles with high rates of obesity among teenagers and children. McAllen residents are disproportionately affected by diseases related to unhealthy weight, with the city having the eighth-highest share of people with diabetes and the fourth-highest heart disease rate.

2. Little Rock, Arkansas: The capital of Arkansas ranked as America’s second-most overweight city, facing challenges in health consequences, obesity and overweight prevalence, and food and fitness. Little Rock has the fourth-highest rate of obese children aged 10 to 17 (nearly 23%), as well as high rates of teenage obesity. Residents struggle with weight-related conditions, with the fourth-highest percentage of adults with high blood pressure and the fifth-highest rate of heart disease. The city also has the second-lowest number of health educators per capita and limited access to healthy foods. WalletHub predicts that Little Rock will continue to struggle with obesity, with the second-highest projected obesity rate for 2030.

3. Jackson, Mississippi: Jackson, Mississippi, ranked third overall, with the highest score in the obesity and overweight benchmark. The city has the second-highest percentage of physically inactive adults, contributing to its high rates of obesity. Approximately 37% of adults in Jackson are obese, with high rates of obesity for children and teenagers. The city also faces significant health challenges, with the second-highest percentage of residents who have had a stroke and the sixth-highest rate of high blood pressure. Similar to McAllen and Little Rock, many Jackson residents lack easy access to healthy food.

Addressing the Obesity Crisis: A Path Forward

The WalletHub study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the obesity crisis in America. These strategies must focus on promoting healthy eating habits, increasing access to nutritious food options, and encouraging regular physical activity.

Cristina Palacios, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at Florida International University, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy diet for weight management. "My suggestion is to improve one’s diet by taking a critical look at what we eat and drink and plan on how to improve it slowly," she said. "It is very challenging to change everything at once. Take one action and implement it. For example, you could start by eating all your meals with water instead of juice, sodas, etc."

Palacios suggests that this simple change can have a significant impact, as many people consume a large number of calories from beverages without realizing it. "This may take some time, as many are used to drinking something sweet, but this is a powerful first step, as the calories from beverages are not registered by our brain and one can drink a lot of calories without compensating later in the day."

In addition to individual dietary changes, broader societal interventions are needed to create a supportive environment for healthy living. These interventions may include:

• Increasing access to affordable, healthy foods: This can be achieved through initiatives such as farmers markets in underserved communities, subsidies for healthy food purchases, and restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
• Improving nutrition education: Comprehensive nutrition education programs should be implemented in schools and communities to teach individuals how to make informed food choices.
• Creating safe and accessible spaces for physical activity: Communities should invest in parks, trails, and recreational facilities to encourage physical activity.
• Implementing policies to reduce sedentary behavior: Policies such as promoting active transportation (e.g., walking, biking) and encouraging workplaces to offer opportunities for physical activity can help reduce sedentary behavior.

Addressing the obesity crisis requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, communities, and policymakers. By working together, we can create a healthier future for all Americans.