To remind Americans about the increasing risks and costs of obesity, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index compiled a list of the country’s most obese cities.? These metropolitan areas report that residents are 58% more likely to suffer from heart-related problems, and combined, the cities pay over $1 billion every year in medical costs.? In the Index’s top 5 most obese cities, obesity rates hit well over 30% of the population, and is coupled with high rates of diabetes.? Poverty was another major factor in the top 5 cities, with large portions of the population ranked below the poverty line.? Binghamton, NY made it to #2 on the list, with more than 17,000 residents being considered obese.? New York’s obesity rate is actually just below 24%, which is lower than the national average.
To read about the top 5 most obese cities, and to see how much is spent on medical costs in each city, click here.