Obesity a Continuing Problem for Metropolitan Areas

Despite the public campaigns meant to encourage healthy living styles, obesity rates remain high. Gallup reports that 187 out of 190 metropolitan areas had obesity rates higher than 15% for adults. 38.8% of adults sampled in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX were reported as being obese, which is about 12 points higher than the national average of 26.1%. Boulder, CO reported the lowest adult obesity rate with 12.1%. In less surprising data, those living in areas with the highest obesity rates were more likely to suffer from various illnesses, such as diabetes and depression. Additionally, those living in the top 10 metro areas with the highest obesity rates also collectively paid roughly $1 billion more in healthcare costs than their counterparts living in cities where obesity rates were 15%.