The Most Overweight and Obese Cities in America in 2026, According to New Report

March is National Nutrition Month, a time meant to encourage healthier eating habits and better lifestyle choices. But new research shows many communities across the country are still facing serious challenges when it comes to health and wellness.

According to a new report from personal finance platform WalletHub, the annual medical cost of obesity in the United States now approaches $200 billion, highlighting the growing financial and health impact of weight-related conditions.

To better understand where Americans face the greatest health risks, WalletHub analyzed 100 of the most populated U.S. metropolitan areas across 19 key health and lifestyle metrics. These factors included the percentage of physically inactive adults, projected obesity rates through 2050, diabetes prevalence, and access to healthy food.

The findings shine a spotlight on the cities where residents are at the highest risk for weight-related health conditions — and where improved nutrition, physical activity, and access to healthy resources could make the biggest difference.

Cities With the Highest Rates of Overweight and Obesity

The report identified the following metro areas as having the greatest prevalence of overweight and obesity among residents:

1. Little Rock, Arkansas
2. McAllen, Texas
3. Memphis, Tennessee
4. Jackson, Mississippi
5. Augusta, Georgia
6. Lafayette, Louisiana
7. Fayetteville, Arkansas
8. Shreveport, Louisiana
9. Mobile, Alabama
10. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
11. Columbia, South Carolina
12. Knoxville, Tennessee
13. Birmingham, Alabama
14. Wichita, Kansas
15. Greenville, South Carolina
16. New Orleans, Louisiana
17. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
18. Winston-Salem, North Carolina
19. Louisville, Kentucky
20. Fort Wayne, Indiana

Key Health Findings From the Study

The report also revealed several notable trends among U.S. metro areas:

• McAllen, Texas has the highest percentage of obese adults, a rate 2.4 times higher than Asheville, North Carolina, the metro area with the lowest rate.
• The McAllen metro area also has the highest share of physically inactive adults — 2.8 times higher than Provo, Utah, which has the lowest rate.
• Memphis, Tennessee leads the nation in the percentage of adults living with diabetes, with rates 2.4 times higher than Bridgeport, Connecticut.
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana reports the highest percentage of adults with high blood pressure, nearly 1.9 times higher than San Jose, California, the metro area with the lowest rate.

Why It Matters

Beyond the health implications, obesity carries a major financial burden for individuals and families. Higher healthcare costs, lost productivity, and chronic illness all contribute to the nearly $200 billion annual price tag.

During National Nutrition Month, experts say small changes — such as improving access to nutritious food, increasing daily physical activity, and building healthier routines — can help communities begin reversing these trends.

For families trying to live healthier on a budget, simple strategies like cooking at home more often, incorporating affordable whole foods, and prioritizing movement can make a meaningful difference.