The 50 Fattest Cities in America

The metropolises that are too big for their own good.

You are who you surround yourself with. That's true whether you're talking about career success, conversational cleverness, or style. If you spend time with smart people, there's a good chance you're going to learn a few things, and if you spend time with millionaires, you're likely to pick up some financial tips. But the opposite is true too: hang around people who don't take care of themselves, and you might start doing the same. Live in a city where bad habits are standard, and you can expect to start picking up on some of them.

Considering this, we've dug into available data about individual cities' health, pulling from the U.S. Census, WalletHub rankings, and elsewhere, to determine which metropolitan areas have some of the worst habits, including percentage reporting physical inactivity, binge drinking, smoking, and obesity. Take a look at the 50 fattest cities in America—if you live in one of them, it might be time to for some lifestyle changes. And for the other side of the coin, be sure to check out The 50 Fittest Cities in America.

50
Worcester, MA

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 182,669
Smoking: 17
Obesity: 27
Physical Inactivity: 21
Binge Drinking: 21
WalletHub Score: 66.57
Fat City Score: 38.14

If you need a little more encouragement to reevaluate your diet and get healthy, relearn why controlling your calories may be your fountain of youth.

49
San Antonio, TX

fattest cities
iStock

Population: 1,382,951
Smoking: 13
Obesity: 27
Physical Inactivity: 21
Binge Drinking: 17
WalletHub Score: 75.8
Fat City Score: 38.45

Also, be sure to keep your mind sharp with the 10 best foods for over-40 brains.

48
Charleston, SC

fattest cities

Population: 125,583
Smoking: 17
Obesity: 25
Physical Inactivity: 20
Binge Drinking: 21
WalletHub Score: 71.44
Fat City Score: 38.61

If working out is clashing with, well, working, be sure to master the 20 ways workers keep cool under pressure.

47
Houston, TX

fattest cities

Population: 2,160,821
Smoking: 14
Obesity: 27
Physical Inactivity: 22
Binge Drinking: 17
WalletHub Score: 75.05
Fat City Score: 38.76

Good rest is essential for good exercise, so try these 11 doctor-approved secrets for falling asleep faster—tonight.

46
Allentown, PA

fattest cities

Population: 118,974
Smoking: 17
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 22
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 68.88
Fat City Score: 38.97

Think you don't have time to exercise? Think again: This is the best quickie workout you can do anywhere—including the bathroom.

45
El Paso, TX

fattest cities

Population: 672,538
Smoking: 15
Obesity: 28
Physical Inactivity: 23
Binge Drinking: 17
WalletHub Score: 74.13
Fat City Score: 39.28

If you're not sure where to start, we've got you covered: Try the best exercise to do first thing in the morning.

44
Grand Rapids, MI

fattest cities

Population: 190,411
Smoking: 17
Obesity: 29
Physical Inactivity: 20
Binge Drinking: 22
WalletHub Score: 69.54
Fat City Score: 39.39

For more tips on how to kick-start your morning routine, here are 5 Easy Ways to Become a Morning Workout Machine.

43
Jacksonville, FL

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 836,507
Smoking: 17
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 24
Binge Drinking: 16
WalletHub Score: 69.91
Fat City Score: 39.48

A healthy reworking of your daily schedule can do wonders for your success: Add in these 15 ways to triple your productivity every day.

42
Akron, OH

fattest cities

Population: 198,549
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 24
Binge Drinking: 17
WalletHub Score: 66.11
Fat City Score: 39.53

If you're worried working out might put undue strain on your heart, Slash Your Heart Attack Risk With This Expert Test.

41
Kansas City, MO

fattest cities

Population: 464,310
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 23
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 66.2
Fat City Score: 39.55

Also, be sure you incorporate the single greatest HIIT routine for your heart into your workouts.

40
Richmond, VA

fattest cities

Population: 210,309
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 21
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 69.22
Fat City Score: 39.56

Feeling like a true warrior? Steal the ancient workout of Genghis Khan's warriors.

39
Greenville, SC

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 67,453
Smoking: 15
Obesity: 28
Physical Inactivity: 22
Binge Drinking: 17
WalletHub Score: 76.34
Fat City Score: 39.59

If you find yourself on the road a lot, try out the single greatest workout for road warriors.

38
Dallas, TX

fattest cities

Population: 1,241,162
Smoking: 16
Obesity: 28
Physical Inactivity: 23
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 73.7
Fat City Score: 39.68

Chances are, you'll be flying into Dallas at some point or another, so make sure you know the best seat to snag on any airplane.

37
Philadelphia, PA

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 1,547,607
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 26
Binge Drinking: 19
WalletHub Score: 63.72
Fat City Score: 39.68

Nothing beats Philly's "love" sign. For a little help in your own love department, learn the single best over-the-counter substitute for Viagra.

36
Lexington, KY

fattest cities

Population: 310,573
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 27
Physical Inactivity: 21
Binge Drinking: 19
WalletHub Score: 72.19
Fat City Score: 39.80

As it so happens, West Sixth Brewing, one of the 50 best craft beers in every U.S. state, is based in Lexington.

35
Milwaukee, WI

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 598,916
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 33
Physical Inactivity: 22
Binge Drinking: 21
WalletHub Score: 63.36
Fat City Score: 39.84

If you're feeling sluggish on working out, it's likely because you're susceptible to these 7 common everyday exercise killers.

34
Huntsville, AL

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 183,739
Smoking: 17
Obesity: 32
Physical Inactivity: 23
Binge Drinking: 14
WalletHub Score: 73.43
Fat City Score: 39.86

Keeping your youthful demeanor isn't impossible at all, as long as you try these 25 secrets for staying young forever.

33
Dayton, OH

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 141,359
Smoking: 19
Obesity: 33
Physical Inactivity: 25
Binge Drinking: 15
WalletHub Score: 67.58
Fat City Score: 39.90

And while you're at it, be sure to learn the 30 ways that exercise boosts your sex life into the stratosphere.

32
Scranton, PA

scranton fattest cities

Population: 77,291
Smoking: 19
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 24
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 67.86
Fat City Score: 39.97

For the ripped abs you've always dreamed of, be sure to incorporate the one core exercise that shreds your entire abdomen into your routine.

31
Wichita, KS

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 389,902
Smoking: 18
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 23
Binge Drinking: 15
WalletHub Score: 72.87
Fat City Score: 39.97

When you're at the gym, be sure you're not ignoring the 5 muscles fit people never ignore when they're working out.

30
Greensboro, NC

fattest cities

Population: 277,080
Smoking: 18
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 22
Binge Drinking: 16
WalletHub Score: 73.31
Fat City Score: 40.08

And if you need help getting yourself to workout, learn the 11 ways that smart people motivate themselves to go to the gym.

29
Fort Wayne, IN

fattest cities

Population: 254,555
Smoking: 18
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 23
Binge Drinking: 19
WalletHub Score: 71.58
Fat City Score: 40.40

28
Tulsa, OK

fattest cities

Population: 393,987
Smoking: 19
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 27
Binge Drinking: 13
WalletHub Score: 73.74
Fat City Score: 40.69

 

27
Nashville, TN

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 624,496
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 24
Binge Drinking: 14
WalletHub Score: 73.94
Fat City Score: 40.74

In the interest of shedding pounds—but not flavor—slate the 10 best carbs for maintaining your six-pack into your diet.

26
Fayetteville, AR

fattest cities
Gunnar Rathbun / Shutterstock

Population: 202,103
Smoking: 21
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 25
Binge Drinking: 15
WalletHub Score: 71.71
Fat City Score: 40.93

25
Oklahoma City, OK

fattest cities

Population: 638,367
Smoking: 18
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 26
Binge Drinking: 14
WalletHub Score: 74.83
Fat City Score: 40.96

24
Columbia, SC

fattest cities

Population: 131,686
Smoking: 16
Obesity: 33
Physical Inactivity: 21
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 76.54
Fat City Score: 41.14

For fast fitness results, try the single greatest workout for incinerating body fat.

23
Youngstown, OH

fattest cities

Population: 64,312
Smoking: 21
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 28
Binge Drinking: 16
WalletHub Score: 68.73
Fat City Score: 41.18

22
Columbus, OH

fattest cities

Population: 809,798
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 22
Binge Drinking: 20
WalletHub Score: 73
Fat City Score: 41.25

21
Myrtle Beach, SC

fattest cities

Population: 32,240
Smoking: 18
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 24
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 75.2
Fat City Score: 41.30

Always on the go? Learn the single best way to get your hotel room comped for the evening.

20
Knoxville, TN

fattest cities

Population: 182,200
Smoking: 19
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 27
Binge Drinking: 13
WalletHub Score: 76.73
Fat City Score: 41.43

19
Winston, NC

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 242,203
Smoking: 19
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 24
Binge Drinking: 15
WalletHub Score: 76.74
Fat City Score: 41.44

18
Canton, OH

fattest cities

Population: 71,323
Smoking: 19
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 25
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 72.89
Fat City Score: 41.47

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17
Baton Rouge, LA

fattest cities

Population: 230,058
Smoking: 16
Obesity: 33
Physical Inactivity: 25
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 74.33
Fat City Score: 41.58

16
Baltimore, MD

fattest cities

Population: 621,342
Smoking: 24
Obesity: 34
Physical Inactivity: 27
Binge Drinking: 17
WalletHub Score: 65.05
Fat City Score: 41.76

15
McAllen, TX

mcallen texas fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 134,719
Smoking: 14
Obesity: 34
Physical Inactivity: 24
Binge Drinking: 13
WalletHub Score: 82.1
Fat City Score: 41.78

14
Detroit, MI

fattest cities

Population: 701,475
Smoking: 19
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 30
Binge Drinking: 15
WalletHub Score: 73.17
Fat City Score: 41.79

13
Augusta, GA

fattest cities
ESB Professional / Shutterstock

Population: 197,872
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 34
Physical Inactivity: 25
Binge Drinking: 14
WalletHub Score: 74.48
Fat City Score: 41.87

To get a jump on your new fitness regime, get inspired by the 10 most staggering feats of physical fitness in recent memory.

12
Lafayette, LA

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 122,761
Smoking: 17
Obesity: 31
Physical Inactivity: 25
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 77.03
Fat City Score: 42.01

11
Birmingham, AL

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 212,038
Smoking: 19
Obesity: 33
Physical Inactivity: 26
Binge Drinking: 14
WalletHub Score: 76.03
Fat City Score: 42.01

10
New Orleans, LA

fattest cities

Population: 391,495
Smoking: 22
Obesity: 32
Physical Inactivity: 24
Binge Drinking: 19
WalletHub Score: 71.22
Fat City Score: 42.06

Mardi gras in New Orleans might be downright magical, but your final destinations should be chosen from the 20 cities you absolutely need to visit before you die.

9
Chattanooga, TN

fattest cities

Population: 171,279
Smoking: 21
Obesity: 30
Physical Inactivity: 27
Binge Drinking: 12
WalletHub Score: 79.23
Fat City Score: 42.31

8
Indianapolis, IN

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 834,852
Smoking: 21
Obesity: 32
Physical Inactivity: 26
Binge Drinking: 18
WalletHub Score: 74.14
Fat City Score: 42.79

7
Toledo, OH

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 284,012
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 34
Physical Inactivity: 27
Binge Drinking: 17
WalletHub Score: 73.44
Fat City Score: 42.86

To maximize your body's physical potential, check out the MMA routine that will get you as lean and strong as the guys in the ring.

6
Little Rock, AR

fattest cities

Population: 196,537
Smoking: 18
Obesity: 32
Physical Inactivity: 26
Binge Drinking: 15
WalletHub Score: 82.12
Fat City Score: 43.28

5
Louisville, KY

fattest cities

Population: 253,128
Smoking: 22
Obesity: 32
Physical Inactivity: 25
Binge Drinking: 19
WalletHub Score: 75.57
Fat City Score: 43.39

4
Jackson, MS

fattest cities

Population: 175,437
Smoking: 16
Obesity: 32
Physical Inactivity: 29
Binge Drinking: 14
WalletHub Score: 84.93
Fat City Score: 43.98

3
Memphis, TN

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 655,155
Smoking: 20
Obesity: 33
Physical Inactivity: 28
Binge Drinking: 14
WalletHub Score: 82.78
Fat City Score: 44.45

Speaking of Memphis, be sure to check out the best BBQ joint in every single U.S. state.

2
Shreveport, LA

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 201,867
Smoking: 21
Obesity: 34
Physical Inactivity: 28
Binge Drinking: 15
WalletHub Score: 81.82
Fat City Score: 44.96

1
Mobile, AL

fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 194,822
Smoking: 22
Obesity: 37
Physical Inactivity: 28
Binge Drinking: 15
WalletHub Score: 78.86
Fat City Score: 45.22

 

And now, check out the 100 ways to be a healthier person right now.

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Alex Daniel
A journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. Read more
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