Houston was formerly known as the USA fattest city back in 2012-2013. It is now number 36, even less fat than Dallas. On the opposite side, Tennessee cities rises to the top while McAllen TX has been number 1 for some years. How did Houston achieve this and why are other southern cities rising?

15 comments

1. There’s been a lot of movement from other states.

   My guess is this has to do with new residents.

2. I’d take a hard look at the consistency of survey/study methodology first.

3. It’s more likely other places got fatter I think.

4. Large scale immigration from Asian countries with very low obesity rates.

5. Transplants

6. Probably just migration and natural fluctuations in demographics. It’s not like many cities are really handling the obesity epidemic differently so I would imagine the top 10 obese cities would all be pretty similar numbers wise. It wouldn’t take much of a change to jump up or fall down quite a few spots.

7. Interesting that Boston is the least overweight. Expected it to be Denver.

8. They added more planet fitness. With just one dollar down and then dollars a month, you too can start hitting your fitness goals today!

   That or the fatties died of obesity related issues.

9. Obesity is correlated with poverty.

   People who have to work long hours and can’t afford childcare don’t have time for the gym or leisurely hikes and bike rides. Fast food is often cheaper and more convenient than healthy options that require time to prepare and cook. Neighborhoods where daily tasks can be completed on foot or on a bicycle are universally gentrified and out of reach for all but the professional class. Result: poor areas have less active lifestyles and more high-fat diets.

   Houston’s improvement is probably attributable to a significant increase in incomes. The Appalachian and southern rust belt regions are experiencing economic decline.

10. My guess is that immigrants from Latin America and Asia brought the average down.

11. For once it’s nice to be at the bottom of the list. (96)

12. These surveys make conclusions based on data that has nothing to do with how fat people are. Number of gyms or number of health food stores etc.

13. less gooo Houston we got another one over Dallas

14. I live in Mission TX, it takes like 2 minutes to get to McAllen, Mexican food gets to you man 💀

15. Man, the South loves to lean into American stereotypes.