.png)
Cities with the Highest Obesity Rates
The Global Obesity Observatory reports that the United States leads in adult obesity rates among developed countries. Despite this, the World Health Organization indicates that obesity rates have risen worldwide over the past few decades. Notably, in many countries, obesity claims more lives than poverty or malnutrition.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common measure of obesity, though not always used. This metric, which uses an individual's height and weight, can help determine if someone is underweight, overweight, or of a healthy weight.
To identify cities with the highest obesity rates, Stacker reviewed data from the CDC's annual PLACES report, released in July 2023. They specifically analyzed the percentage of respondents who met certain criteria.
However, it's crucial to note that the BMI has limitations. The American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Science and Public Health published a study in June 2023, highlighting these issues. They recommended using BMI alongside other measures because solely relying on it overlooks important factors like age, sex, gender, race, and ethnicity.
Weight itself isn't inherently detrimental to health. Issues arise when excess weight leads to medical complications. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that overweight or obese individuals face higher risks of ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
In 2019, the CDC estimated that obesity-related medical expenses in the US were nearly $173 billion annually. Beyond medical costs, obese adults often incur more absenteeism from work due to health complications.
The CDC describes the link between obesity, income, and education as "complex." This relationship also involves factors like gender, race, and ethnicity. Generally, individuals with college degrees exhibit lower obesity rates than those without.
There's an observed connection between obesity rates and poverty levels in US states. Cities with elevated obesity rates often have lower average incomes and educational levels, particularly in the South and Midwest regions.