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America's Most Obese Cities
Forbes ^ | 11/25/07 | Rebecca Ruiz

Posted on 11/26/2007 12:46:45 PM PST by MotleyGirl70

Forbes' America's Most Obese Cities.

Did your city make the Fatty List:

1. Memphis, Tenn.: 34%

Researchers have found that residents are aware of the area's obesity problem, currently affecting 34% of its population. Among the causes they blame: high rates of poverty and a culture of Southern hospitality and food that values certain types of dishes--many of them fried--over healthier choices. Memphis actually sits on the western edge of a web of Southern cities along with Birmingham, Ala., and Atlanta, that also landed on our list.

2. Birmingham, Ala.: 31.3%

As the second most obese city, 31.3% of Birmingham's residents have a BMI of 30 or higher. Since 2001, a local non-profit organization called Jones Valley Urban Farm has tried to promote healthy eating habits with community gardening plots. The organization also offers educational programs for grade-school children in an effort to battle the city's high childhood obesity rates.

3. San Antonio, Texas: 31.1%

Arguably the home base for calorie-rich Tex-Mex cuisine, this Texas city comes in a close third as the most obese. City officials, however, have taken note, and are exploring solutions. A team of municipal and school leaders was recently chosen by the National League of Cities to receive technical assistance for one year in combating childhood obesity and adopting wellness initiatives. The league will provide San Antonio and five other cities with experts versed in healthy eating and active living as well as fighting obesity.

4. Riverside/San Bernardino, Calif.: 30.8%

Those living in the city of Riverside and the surrounding metropolitan area, located about an hour east of Los Angeles, are likely victims of a car-centric culture. But despite efforts to promote safe streets and bicycle riding, the obesity epidemic is only getting worse: 30.8% percent of Riverside residents are obese, a 5% increase from 2005. The percentage of people neglecting regular exercise is also creeping upward, now standing at 30%.

5. Detroit: 30.4%*

Parts of this beleaguered city, where 33% of residents live below the poverty line, may qualify as a "food desert," a term used to describe urban areas devoid of healthy, fresh food choices. That may explain why 30.4% of its population, and that of the surrounding area, is obese. Still, it seems the state also suffers from unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity: Michigan was recently ranked the ninth heaviest state in the nation by the research group Trust for America's Health. The state already promotes healthy living through an initiative called "Step Up Michigan," but the epidemic might require a more aggressive intervention.

6. Jacksonville, Fla.: 29.8%

Perhaps this city's humid climate drives its residents, 29.8% of whom are obese, indoors. In an effort to lessen the area's obesity rate. the city has launched a public health initiative called Healthy Jacksonville, which allows participants to get involved in a community-wide challenge for improved fitness and health. A primary motivator for the city was the $357 million price tag, as measured in 2003, of obesity and overweight health issues in its residents.

7. Nashville, Tenn.: 28.8%

Nashville's obesity crisis is worsening: At 28.8%, the percentage of residents who are obese increased roughly two points last year, while the number of overweight residents rose to 39%, up from 35.5%. The city has tried combating the rising numbers with various health initiatives, including a mile-plus walk with the mayor and day-long events encouraging the use of nearby greenways.

8. Oklahoma City: 27.5%

Mayor Mick Cornett has been working with city leaders to improve local health on a number of fronts. One reason? A whopping 27.5% of Oklahoma City residents are obese. Among other strategies, the city has promoted healthy living by passing a bond measure to build gyms at 47 inner city schools and increasing the number of bike paths. They've also tried to lure high-profile stores like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods while also looking at ways to decrease high rates of fast food consumption.

9. Kansas City, Mo.: 26.9%

Well known for its barbecue, Kansas City has a big appetite. Like other cities on this list, where a culture of food is closely intertwined with a way of life, that may contribute to high levels of obesity. In Kansas City, 26.9% of residents have a BMI higher than 30, which qualifies them as obese. At least many are vocal about improving parks and recreation services, as well as making sidewalks more walkable. When polled by the city government last year, improved parks and sidewalks ranked at the top in terms of what residents most wanted.

10. San Diego, Calif.: 26.7%

The glitz of downtown San Diego belies pockets of poor neighborhoods where access to fresh fruit and vegetables is limited. Other factors contributing to the obesity rate of 26.7% may be car commuting and a large Hispanic population, whose members often have higher incidences of obesity than non-Hispanic whites. To counteract the trend, San Diego County has invested in preventing and reversing childhood obesity by forging collaborative relationships between public and private entities.

11. Cincinnati, Ohio: 26.3%

Though University of Cincinnati researchers have made progress in determining the cause of obesity, the city's waistline continues to expand. Since 2005, the percentage of obese residents has grown 4% to 26.3%. The state is following the lead of cities like San Francisco and New York as it considers a ban on trans fats in restaurants. The mayor has also implemented initiatives to ensure children in underserved communities have access to nutritionally balanced meals.

12. Indianapolis: 26%

As the hub for several interstates that cut through the city, Indianapolis has been dubbed the "Crossroads of America." It's not surprising, also given its notoriety as home to the Indy 500, that Indianapolis has long been considered a driver's city. Local residents, 26% of whom are obese, have paid the price for sprawl policies and a prevailing car culture--with their health. That may change as city planners continue to build and promote greenways and bike paths, including its so-called "cultural trail," an eight-mile path which will connect several neighborhoods.

13. (Tie) Baltimore: 25.8%

Issues like safety, poverty and food access have contributed to the obesity rate in Baltimore, which edged to 25.8% last year, a slight increase from 2005. Various groups, including the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance and the Baltimore Neighborhood Research Consortium, are leading efforts to understand what aspects of neighborhood planning best contribute to healthy communities.

13. (Tie) New Orleans: 25.8%

Residents of New Orleans love their food, a lot of which is deep fried. Disentangling a love for food from a need to make healthy eating choices may be the city's greatest challenge. The department of public health has implemented weight loss and physical activity programs tailored for the local population, including an African dance class for women.

13. (Tie) Virginia Beach, Va.: 25.8%

The city of Virginia Beach celebrates its 35 miles of coastline, but given its obesity rate, it's unclear whether an outdoor mentality has become a part of local culture and not just a function of tourism. Among other healthy living promotion strategies, the city instituted an incentive program in 2006 through which employees could earn up to $200 per year by exercising at a gym for a specified number of visits.

16. Atlanta: 25.6%

At 25.6%, roughly one quarter of Atlanta's population is obese. One cause might be sprawling suburban subdivisions which require residents to commute an average of 35 miles per day by car. A study released by a University of British Columbia researcher in January 2007 found that residents of Atlanta drive more than those in most other regions in the country. Researchers also found that 37% of Atlanta residents living in highly walkable neighborhoods were able to get 30 minutes of moderate activity each day, as opposed to those in the least walkable neighborhoods, 18% of whom got similar levels of exercise.

17.(Tie) Milwaukee: 25.4%

Milwaukee is another city on our list that saw its obesity rate increase significantly since 2005. Then, 19.8% of residents were obese, compared with 25.4% in 2006. Another alarming number is the percentage of impoverished city residents: 26.2% of individuals live below the poverty line in Milwaukee. The combined statistics may hint at limited access to healthy, affordable food as a primary cause for the growing obesity rate.

17. (Tie) Richmond, Va.: 25.4%

The obesity crisis in Virginia has caught the attention of state lawmakers, who are currently considering legislation to fight childhood obesity. Richmond joins Virginia Beach as the second Virginian city to rank on our list. Vanderbilt University researchers also recently ranked Richmond among the top 10 cities with the largest gaps in obesity rates between black and white residents, a fact experts should take into consideration as they look at different prevention approaches.

18. (Tie) Austin, Texas: 24.9%

Austin wouldn't have entered our list based on 2005 figures, when only 17.2% of its residents were obese. But in 2006, that number shot up to 24.9%, which was enough to surpass neighboring Houston, an erstwhile "fattest" city. The noticeable shift may shock residents who think of their hometown as healthy and active.

18. (Tie) Las Vegas, NV: 24.9%

Las Vegas, the nation's capital of excess, ties with Austin for last place on our list. Despite the city's many walking groups and fitness initiatives, 24.9% of its population is obese, a nearly four point increase from 21% in the previous year.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; US: Virginia
KEYWORDS: cities; mostobesecities; obesity; topten; virginiabeach
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To: RoseofTexas
I make sure I stay away from buffet type restaurants!

Arizona Charlie's isn't a buffet, they serve you at your table. The breakfast special at their Sourdough Cafe is wonderful. When my inlaws lived in LV, we ate there every morning.

24 hour breakfast specials:

New York Steak & Eggs - $3.29 N.Y. Steak flame broiled and served with two eggs any style, hash browns, toast & jelly or a biscuit & country gravy

Bone in Ham Steak & Eggs - $3.29 A generous portion of broiled ham steak served with two eggs any style, hash browns, toast & jelly or a biscuit & country gravy

121 posted on 11/26/2007 1:54:28 PM PST by Jeff Chandler ("Liberals want to save the world for the children they aren't having." -Mark Steyn)
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To: CaptainK
When I visited my father in Florida I noticed that it was usually too hot to even leave the house.

WI winters are long and cold and that's when most people pack on the poundage.

122 posted on 11/26/2007 1:57:03 PM PST by MotleyGirl70 (We don’t have borders, we have swiss cheese lines.~~~Go Packers!~~~)
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To: RockinRight

Sweet tea has been on my mind this weekend; my boyfriend is a Northerner, and we visited his fam for the weekend. As we drove south, he began asking for it, and was shocked and dismayed yesterday that his Richmond sweet tea was not quite sweet enough. He’s been spoiled by living in NC! :)


123 posted on 11/26/2007 1:57:43 PM PST by Rutabega (European 'intellectualism' has NOTHING on America's kick-a$$ism!)
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To: Calpernia
I would think though that body weight information would be needed too.

who needs facts when you already have an opinion?

124 posted on 11/26/2007 2:00:13 PM PST by jdub
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To: MayflowerMadam

I ate fried olives the other night—they would have been great, but too much sauce. Spoiled the crunchiness!


125 posted on 11/26/2007 2:01:14 PM PST by Rutabega (European 'intellectualism' has NOTHING on America's kick-a$$ism!)
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To: MotleyGirl70

Hey, we’re down to Number 3! Obviously, I’m gonna have to increase my margarita, Shiner Bock and Taco Cabana intake...

San Antonio rocks!


126 posted on 11/26/2007 2:04:59 PM PST by jagusafr ("Bugs, Mr. Rico! Zillions of 'em!" - Robert Heinlein)
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To: RockinRight

So adding a lot of sugar replaces the bitterness with???


127 posted on 11/26/2007 2:05:17 PM PST by weegee (End the Bush-Bush-Bush-Clinton/Clinton-Clinton/Clinton-Bush-Bush-Clinton/Clinton Oligarchy 1980-2012)
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To: T.Smith

All

In almost every city ranked, the word “poverty” was mentioned.

Well, we have the fattest poor people on the planet, bar none.

This could be fixed in a week or so if the congress had the balls to change the Farm Bill (this is where food stamps lives, and it is federal, not local, so an individual state cannot do anything about it, even if they wanted to.

They talk about exercise initiatives and walking, etc. Hell’s Bells, would any of you walk in Baltimore, Detroit, or SE Los Angeles?

I own a grocery store in Virginia. The “Food Stamp Queens” are the fattest customers I have. And believe me, they are militant, multi-generational, entitled, and proud of it. Any real “cash” money they have goes to cigarettes, alcohol, and lottery tickets.

It is nothing for them to lay down on the belt arms full of chips, dip, sodas, ice cream, candy, cookies, popcorn, etc. Very seldom do I see any “real” food cross the scanner. The children they have with them are just as fat as they are.

I don’t buy for a minute the nonsense about “access” to healty foods. Within 5 miles, we have a Wal-Mart Supercenter, a Food Lion, and a large SuperValu. All the food in the world is available in these stores.

All the government has to do is remove the above-mentioned items from the allowability list. The problem would start to go away in very short order. But unless the party that proposes it has a veto proof, cloture proof majority, it ain’t gonna happen!

Flame away if you feel the need, but this is the reality where I live.


128 posted on 11/26/2007 2:06:53 PM PST by CTOCS (Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.)
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To: jagusafr

Mmmmmm...Shiner Bock!!


129 posted on 11/26/2007 2:07:26 PM PST by T.Smith
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To: canuck_conservative
Re-discover baking - takes longer, but it’s heathier and a lot less work.

My favorite is stove top cooking. You can cook anything in skillet with a couple tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Fish, chicken, pork chops all turn out yummy. Baking is good also except in summer when it's too hot to turn the oven on.

I can't remember the last time I actually fried something. I wasn't brought up on fried foods and as an adult I've never really cooked that way. My mom cooked tasty but healthy food for the family so I guess I just take after her. That's not to say I don't love fried chicken or Micky D's french fries once in a while ;)

130 posted on 11/26/2007 2:07:45 PM PST by MotleyGirl70 (We don’t have borders, we have swiss cheese lines.~~~Go Packers!~~~)
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To: jdub

Good point.


131 posted on 11/26/2007 2:07:50 PM PST by Calpernia (Hunters Rangers - Raising the Bar of Integrity http://www.barofintegrity.us)
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To: weegee

It instead tastes sweet, with a little bite.


132 posted on 11/26/2007 2:08:29 PM PST by RockinRight (Just because you're pro-life and talk about God a lot doesn't mean you're a conservative.)
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To: Squidpup

133 posted on 11/26/2007 2:09:10 PM PST by MotleyGirl70 (We don’t have borders, we have swiss cheese lines.~~~Go Packers!~~~)
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To: MotleyGirl70

I can eat healthy enough, but still suffer because I tend to eat gigantic portions when compared to USDA standards.


134 posted on 11/26/2007 2:09:27 PM PST by RockinRight (Just because you're pro-life and talk about God a lot doesn't mean you're a conservative.)
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To: MotleyGirl70

The people who conducted this survey obviously never came here to Albuquerque, NM.


135 posted on 11/26/2007 2:10:14 PM PST by wjcsux (Islam: The religion of choice for those who are too stupid for Scientology)
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To: MotleyGirl70

Not this weekend! Cleveland swallowed Houston!


136 posted on 11/26/2007 2:10:35 PM PST by RockinRight (Just because you're pro-life and talk about God a lot doesn't mean you're a conservative.)
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To: MotleyGirl70

I’d love to see the methodology on these surveys about how they obtain the figures. ‘Drive-by” videos? Weigh-ins at malls? weights gathered at county healthcare centers?

Particularly when cities like Austin ‘shoot up’ in the rankings while others like Houston apparently drop precipitously.

Every time one of these things comes out, our TV stations go crazy with drive-by videos of fat people on the streets.


137 posted on 11/26/2007 2:13:34 PM PST by wildbill
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To: sharkhawk
I was 6'1" and 145# when I graduated from High School. My mother actually sent me to the doctor to see why I couldn't seem to gain weight. She was and is totally sane and a professional nutritionist to boot. Our family sawbones told her my metabolism was just a little slower to develop than most people my age and it turned out to be right.

The funny part is if you calculate my BMI at the time, I was well within the normal range by modern standards.

But at the saner time in American history, I looked like an emaciated beanpole and there was a genuine concern that I had a parasite or something because there was zero problem with my appetite (still isn't, unfortunately) and my fat percentage was probably near 0% with just a typical lifestyle (moderate exercise, sports and walking).

138 posted on 11/26/2007 2:19:11 PM PST by Vigilanteman (Are there any men left in Washington? Or are there only cowards? Ahmad Shah Massoud)
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To: DustyMoment
“...parents provide their rugrats with electronic babaysitters inside of incentives to “go play outside”.”

Nowadays everyone is terrified to let their kids play outside. When I was a little kid in the early seventies we were always playing outside. Our moms would just say, “be home by six o’clock,” or whatever. These days everyone locks their doors and no one wants to let their kids outside without an adult chaperon. The funny thing is that according to all the statistics the crime rate was actually a little higher when I was a kid in the early seventies. People just have the perception that there is a lot more crime today. I blame it on 24 hour news channels. Back in the day we’d have the six o’clock news and they’d only cover what they could cover in an hour. Now Fox News, CNN, etc., have to fill 24 hours with “news” so they dig up as much salacious crime news as they can, that and all the ridiculous reporting on spoiled celebrities, anything juicy. The same crimes were being committed decades ago, there just wasn’t so much reporting on them. Now we hear about it all, whether it happens anywhere near us or not, and people are left with the impression that things are a lot worse than they used to be, there’s a boogyman around every corner.

139 posted on 11/26/2007 2:20:49 PM PST by TKDietz
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To: wildbill
...our TV stations go crazy with drive-by videos of fat people on the streets.

I've noticed that when news segments are done on the obesity epidemics, we get lots of drive bys of fat people from the neck down, or with the faces blurred out-but they're never *very* fat. They'll be 40-50 lbs overweight. The TV stations never get videos of the 300-400-500lbs + behemoths I see at wally world. I've never been able to figure that out : Why they illustrate segments on obesity with people who aren't terribly overweight at all, rather than with people who show just how bad it can get.

140 posted on 11/26/2007 2:22:08 PM PST by Verloona Ti
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