Hagerstown, Maryland, has been identified as one of the most obese cities in the United States. Recent research ranks Hagerstown third, with an obesity rate exceeding 36%. This data, collected from January 2012 to December 2013, used self-reported height and weight to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) scores. A BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese.
Top Obese Cities in the U.S.
The city with the highest obesity rate is Huntington, West Virginia, followed by McAllen, Texas. Here is a list of the top ten most obese cities:
- Huntington, W.Va. (39.5%)
- McAllen, Texas (38.3%)
- Hagerstown, Md. (36.7%)
- Yakima, Wash. (35.7%)
- Little Rock, Ark. (35.1%)
- Charleston, W.Va. (34.6%)
- Toledo, Ohio (34.2%)
- Clarksville, Tenn. (33.8%)
- Jackson, Miss. (33.8%)
- Green Bay, Wis. (33%)
- **Least Obese Cities**
Boulder, Colorado, has the lowest obesity rate at 12.4%. Boulder has consistently held this position since Gallup and Healthways began their surveys in 2008.
Major Metro Areas’ Obesity Rates
In large metro areas, Washington, D.C., stands out for its lower obesity rate. The D.C. metro area, including parts of Virginia and Maryland, has an obesity rate of over 22%, making it one of the least obese major metro areas. Denver, Colorado, has the lowest obesity rate among major U.S. communities, with an obesity rate of over 19%.
Factors Influencing Obesity Rates
Several factors contribute to obesity rates, including social, environmental, economic, and individual behaviors. In Colorado, for instance, the state’s numerous outdoor activities and spaces promote a healthier lifestyle, contributing to lower obesity rates.
Most Obese Major U.S. Communities
Among the major U.S. communities, Memphis, Tennessee, and San Antonio, Texas, have the highest obesity rates. Richmond, Virginia, also ranks high with an obesity rate of 28.8%. Here is a list of the most obese major U.S. communities:
- Memphis, Tenn. (31.9%)
- San Antonio, Texas (31.1%)
- Richmond, Va. (28.8%)
- New Orleans, La. (28.7%)
- Columbus, Ohio (28.7%)
- Rochester, N.Y. (28.6%)
- Louisville, Ky. (28.4%)
- Oklahoma City, Okla. (28.4%)
- Detroit, Mich. (28.1%)
- Cleveland, Ohio (28.0%)
- **National Obesity Trends**
The U.S. obesity rate reached 27.1% in 2013, the highest recorded since Gallup and Healthways began tracking in 2008. Obesity rates have been rising in many communities since 2011. Notably, Boulder, Colorado, is the only metro area to achieve the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2010 program goal of reducing obesity to 15%.
Addressing Obesity
Addressing obesity requires community-based policies and environmental approaches. With obesity rates at an all-time high, local efforts to reduce obesity can have significant positive impacts on both individual health and the economy.