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America’s Laziest Metro Areas

America’s Laziest Metro Areas

Exercise is one of the most effective ways for people to improve their overall health. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of depression, weight gain, and certain chronic diseases, while improving cognitive function, sleep quality, and physical balance — among many other benefits. 

Though the importance of physical activity is well established, over 55 million American adults lead completely sedentary lifestyles. Physical inactivity accounts for about one in every 10 premature deaths in the U.S. and also has broader social costs — presenting an estimated $117 billion burden on the health care system annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

Insufficient exercise is a major public health challenge across the United States, but in some parts of the country, the problem is far worse than in others. 

Using data from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute joint program, 24/7 Tempo identified the 50 least physically active metro areas in the United States. 

The share of adults who do not exercise among the metro areas on this list ranges from nearly 30% to over 35%. Meanwhile, 22.7% of the 20 and older population nationwide lead completely sedentary lifestyles.

Given the benefits associated with regular exercise, it is perhaps not surprising that overall health outcomes tend to be worse in places where larger shares of the population are not physically active. For example, in all but three of the places on this list, both the obesity rate and the share of adults who report being in fair or poor health are higher than the respective national averages of 29.7% and 16.5%. Here is a look at the most obese states in America

For many residents of the metro areas on this list, a lack of regular physical exercise is partially attributable to limited opportunities. In all but a handful of the least active U.S. metros, the share of the population living in close proximity to places to exercise, like parks or recreational facilities, is below the 84.2% national average. In the majority of these places, less than three quarters of the population have access to such places.

Source: Nicole Gilbo / iStock via Getty Images

50. Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 29.7%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 73.1% — 104th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 28.5% — 83rd lowest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 11.8% — 146th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 17.8% — 163rd lowest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.2 — 183rd lowest of 384 metros

Source: By Rlopezrce - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95553411

49. Madera, CA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 29.8%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 70.3% — 83rd lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 36.8% — 61st highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 12.1% — 127th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 25.7% — 14th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.2 — 16th highest of 384 metros

Source: cindyfunk / Flickr

48. Springfield, OH
> Adults who don’t exercise: 29.9%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 86.4% — 112th highest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 37.0% — 55th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 14.1% — 51st highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 20.9% — 98th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 44th highest of 384 metros

Source: JasmineImage / iStock via Getty Images

47. Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 61.9% — 30th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 34.0% — 128th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.4% — 26th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 20.9% — 95th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.5 — 105th highest of 384 metros

Source: louisvilleusace / Flickr

46. Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.2%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 53.3% — 12th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.8% — 24th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 12.1% — 125th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 21.7% — 74th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5 — 31st highest of 384 metros

Source: akaplummer / Getty Images

45. Brunswick, GA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.2%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 65.7% — 49th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 32.1% — 185th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 11.1% — 180th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 19.5% — 150th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.3 — 164th highest of 384 metros

Source: sshepard / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

44. Terre Haute, IN
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.3%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 75.2% — 125th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 34.7% — 111th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 13.1% — 77th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 20.0% — 128th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.3 — 138th highest of 384 metros

Source: By Josh Stapler from Charleston, United States - Bridges are dope, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60451653

43. Parkersburg-Vienna, WV
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.3%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 66.9% — 61st lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 39.4% — 19th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 17.8% — 4th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.1% — 39th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.3 — 8th highest of 384 metros

Source: Janabi / Getty Images

42. Valdosta, GA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.4%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 63.6% — 40th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 34.7% — 110th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 16.8% — 11th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 22.4% — 50th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.5 — 101st highest of 384 metros

Source: jmoor17 / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

41. Yuba City, CA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.5%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 76.1% — 136th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 29.6% — 113th lowest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 12.9% — 83rd highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 21.7% — 73rd highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.9 — 37th highest of 384 metros

Source: shan213 / Flickr

40. Cleveland, TN
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.5%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 76.3% — 138th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 37.7% — 42nd highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 14.6% — 44th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 22.5% — 47th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.1 — 20th highest of 384 metros

Source: hkim39 / Getty Images

39. Beckley, WV
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.7%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 57.3% — 15th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.9% — 23rd highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 17.9% — 3rd highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 25.6% — 15th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.5 — the highest of 384 metros

Source: traveler1116 / Getty Images

38. Dover, DE
> Adults who don’t exercise: 30.9%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 66.8% — 59th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.4% — 29th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 13.9% — 54th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 21.0% — 91st highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.5 — 103rd highest of 384 metros

Source: BOB WESTON / Getty Images

37. Jackson, TN
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 63.2% — 37th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 40.1% — 9th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.6% — 19th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.7% — 26th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5 — 29th highest of 384 metros

Source: RobHainer / Getty Images

36. Panama City, FL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.1%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 66.9% — 60th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 30.2% — 134th lowest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 12.1% — 126th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 21.3% — 84th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.9 — 36th highest of 384 metros

Source: jjneff / Getty Images

35. Anniston-Oxford, AL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.1%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 47.7% — 4th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 39.7% — 12th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 17.0% — 8th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.7% — 29th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.9 — 35th highest of 384 metros

Source: wellesenterprises / Getty Images

34. Monroe, LA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.2%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 73.4% — 107th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 42.0% — 4th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.0% — 34th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.8% — 25th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.7 — 63rd highest of 384 metros

Source: 6381380 / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

33. Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.3%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 66.0% — 50th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 39.6% — 17th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.5% — 21st highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.2% — 36th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.3 — 7th highest of 384 metros

Source: LarryKnupp / Getty Images

32. St. Joseph, MO-KS
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.5%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 74.9% — 119th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 37.0% — 54th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 12.4% — 114th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 20.9% — 97th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.7 — 66th highest of 384 metros

Source: Dee / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

31. Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.5%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 69.0% — 72nd lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 32.3% — 179th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.0% — 33rd highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 21.8% — 70th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5 — 24th highest of 384 metros

Source: shakzu / iStock via Getty Images

30. Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.7%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 79.3% — 175th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 36.5% — 64th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 12.7% — 96th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 25.2% — 17th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.3 — 9th highest of 384 metros

Source: felixmizioznikov / Getty Images

29. Florence, SC
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.8%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 52.3% — 10th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.4% — 31st highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 16.8% — 10th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 21.5% — 78th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.4 — 115th highest of 384 metros

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

28. Fort Smith, AR-OK
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.8%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 62.8% — 35th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 36.4% — 69th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 14.3% — 48th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 26.2% — 10th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.5 — 2nd highest of 384 metros

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

27. Laredo, TX
> Adults who don’t exercise: 31.9%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 87.5% — 94th highest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 37.4% — 47th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 9.1% — 79th lowest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 34.9% — the highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5 — 27th highest of 384 metros

Source: Courtesy of Weirton, West Virginia - City Government via Facebook

26. Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 85.2% — 129th highest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.4% — 30th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.3% — 27th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 20.9% — 96th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 41st highest of 384 metros

Source: vitorhirota / Flickr

25. Mansfield, OH
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 67.3% — 62nd lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 35.6% — 85th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 14.2% — 50th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 20.6% — 105th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.6 — 88th highest of 384 metros

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

24. Odessa, TX
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 71.1% — 90th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 37.3% — 50th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 8.7% — 59th lowest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 24.0% — 22nd highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.3 — 145th highest of 384 metros

Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images

23. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 61.6% — 28th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 41.5% — 5th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 13.6% — 58th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 22.2% — 56th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.3 — 157th highest of 384 metros

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

22. Alexandria, LA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 78.5% — 164th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 40.4% — 6th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 16.4% — 14th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.1% — 40th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 55th highest of 384 metros

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images

21. Macon-Bibb County, GA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.1%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 66.7% — 57th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.5% — 28th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 18.6% — the highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 22.2% — 60th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.5 — 89th highest of 384 metros

Source: sshepard / Getty Images

20. Albany, GA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.1%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 69.0% — 73rd lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 39.7% — 11th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 17.2% — 7th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 24.2% — 19th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 58th highest of 384 metros

Source: jmoor17 / Getty Images

19. Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.2%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 58.6% — 18th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 30.7% — 147th lowest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 14.0% — 53rd highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 22.5% — 48th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5 — 30th highest of 384 metros

Source: Dee / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

18. Morristown, TN
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.3%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 59.5% — 22nd lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.1% — 37th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 14.9% — 35th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 24.1% — 20th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.3 — 6th highest of 384 metros

Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

17. Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.4%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 91.4% — 52nd highest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 32.5% — 172nd highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 13.2% — 70th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 18.7% — 186th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.3 — 148th highest of 384 metros

Source: 40869888@N03 / Flickr

16. Rome, GA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.8%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 58.4% — 17th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 34.3% — 122nd highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 14.4% — 45th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 22.0% — 65th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.6 — 77th highest of 384 metros

Source: Michael Warren / Getty Images

15. Ocala, FL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.9%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 75.6% — 131st lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 32.8% — 165th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.4% — 25th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.2% — 35th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 52nd highest of 384 metros

Source: BOB WESTON / Getty Images

14. Dalton, GA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 32.9%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 71.8% — 94th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 33.9% — 132nd highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.1% — 31st highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 25.7% — 13th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 47th highest of 384 metros

Source: pasa / Flickr

13. Kankakee, IL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 33.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 80.0% — 182nd lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.0% — 38th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 13.2% — 68th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 19.2% — 166th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.3 — 147th highest of 384 metros

Source: colecamplese / Flickr

12. Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 33.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 73.6% — 109th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 35.3% — 90th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 12.7% — 92nd highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 18.1% — 169th lowest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.2 — 192nd highest of 384 metros

Source: Sean Rayford / Stringer / Getty Images North America

11. Hammond, LA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 33.1%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 67.9% — 68th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 40.3% — 8th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 11.7% — 152nd highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.1% — 38th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.7 — 65th highest of 384 metros

Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images

10. Jonesboro, AR
> Adults who don’t exercise: 33.3%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 58.3% — 16th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 39.7% — 15th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.2% — 30th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 24.1% — 21st highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.2 — 12th highest of 384 metros

Source: miroslav_1 / Getty Images

9. Dothan, AL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 33.5%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 53.1% — 11th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.6% — 27th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 16.9% — 9th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.9% — 24th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5 — 28th highest of 384 metros

Source: techbirmingham / Flickr

8. Gadsden, AL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 33.6%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 49.5% — 7th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 36.2% — 73rd highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 17.3% — 5th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 22.0% — 64th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 50th highest of 384 metros

Source: pasa / Flickr

7. Pine Bluff, AR
> Adults who don’t exercise: 34.0%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 46.7% — 3rd lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 42.5% — 3rd highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 14.7% — 40th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 28.0% — 7th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 5.5 — 3rd highest of 384 metros

Source: davidwilson1949 / Flickr

6. Kokomo, IN
> Adults who don’t exercise: 34.1%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 68.6% — 71st lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 35.2% — 93rd highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 14.8% — 39th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 20.2% — 120th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.4 — 133rd highest of 384 metros

Source: Warren-Pender / Getty Images

5. Sebring-Avon Park, FL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 34.1%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 81.0% — 189th highest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 30.4% — 141st lowest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.5% — 23rd highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.2% — 37th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 49th highest of 384 metros

Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons

4. Hinesville, GA
> Adults who don’t exercise: 34.3%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 58.6% — 19th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 36.5% — 66th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 12.4% — 116th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 22.3% — 55th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.6 — 82nd highest of 384 metros

Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images

3. Texarkana, TX-AR
> Adults who don’t exercise: 34.5%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 49.7% — 8th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 42.7% — 2nd highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 15.3% — 28th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 23.0% — 41st highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 43rd highest of 384 metros

Source: friedebach / Flickr

2. Sherman-Denison, TX
> Adults who don’t exercise: 34.9%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 66.6% — 56th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 38.1% — 36th highest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 11.0% — 187th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 19.3% — 158th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.2 — 179th highest of 384 metros

Source: csfotoimages / Getty Images

1. Homosassa Springs, FL
> Adults who don’t exercise: 35.7%
> Pop. with access to places for physical activity: 73.3% — 106th lowest of 384 metros
> Adult obesity rate: 28.7% — 92nd lowest of 384 metros
> Adults with diabetes: 13.3% — 66th highest of 384 metros
> Adults reporting poor or fair health: 19.8% — 136th highest of 384 metros
> Physically unhealthy days per month: 4.8 — 53rd highest of 384 metros

Methodology

To determine America’s laziest metros, 24/7 Tempo reviewed adult physical inactivity rates from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute joint program’s 2021 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps report. 

The physical inactivity rate is defined as the share of adults 20 years and older who report no leisure-time physical activity. While the CHR report is from 2021, physical inactivity figures published in the report are from 2017.

We used the 384 metropolitan statistical areas as delineated by the United States Office of Management and Budget and used by the Census Bureau as our definition of metros.

Metros were ranked based on the adult physical inactivity rate. Additional information on the share of the population with adequate access to locations for physical activity, the share of adults 20 years and older who report a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher, the share of adults 20 years and older with diagnosed diabetes, the share of adults reporting poor or fair health, and the average number of physically unhealthy days reported in the past 30 days also came from the 2021 CHR.

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