The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has a goal of a 15 percent obesity rate in the United States. Unfortunately, it appears that this goal is a rather ambitious one, as there are only three large cities either at or below that 15 percent benchmark, with Boulder, Colorado leading the pack with a 12.1 percent obesity rate. In fact, it’s estimated that about a quarter of the country is considered obese, as obesity kills about 112,000 people each year and costs about $90 billion in medical bills.
Yes, Boulder is considered the skinniest city and nearby Fort Collins, Colorado isn’t far behind. But if a 12.1 percent number is considered a “skinny” city, then just what makes a certain city a truly obese one? To answer that question, here’s a look at the 12 cities in America with the greatest amount of obese people. You’ll find correlations between poor public health and poverty, among other things.
1. Riverside, California
About 30.8 percent of Riverside, California residents are obese, allowing this city to crack the top 12 on this list. This high number is largely credited to the area’s high population and lack of healthcare environments to service all of the people accordingly.
