Least Obese Counties in America – 24/7 Wall St.

The recent public health crises, namely the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic, have eclipsed a long-standing problem in the United States: obesity. Sinceearly 1960s, the share of American adults under 75 considered obese has more than tripled. Currently, an estimated 72.2 million Americans aged 20 and over are obese, or 30% of the age group.

Obesity status is determined by body mass index, or BMI – a ratio between height and body weight. Americans with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese and, as such, at higher risk for several serious diseases and conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, breathing problems, and some cancers. Obesity can also affect the overall quality of life and contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.

While the United States has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, there are parts of the country where obesity remains relatively rare.to. Use of data from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 24/7 Wall St. identified the least obese counties in the United States.

The majority of counties on this list are located in the West, including 15 counties in Colorado and 10 in California.

While many factors, including genetics, diet, and medical conditions, contribute to an increased risk of obesity, according to the CDC, regular physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy weight. In all but a handful of counties on this list, the share of adults who do not exercise regularly is lower than the 22.7% share of adults nationwide. Here’s a look at the most physically active cities in America.

By some measures, health outcomes are also better than average in most of these countries. For example, obeythe city is a leader risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and in almost all of the countries on this list, diabetes is less common than nationally.

Click here to see the least obese counties in America
Click here to read our detailed methodology