Little Rock, Ark., topped WalletHub’s 2026 ranking of the most overweight and obese U.S. cities, while Honolulu ranked lowest on the list.
The personal finance website compared 100 of the most populated U.S. metropolitan areas across three dimensions: obesity and overweight, health consequences, and food and fitness.
WalletHub evaluated these dimensions using 19 metrics, ranging from the share of physically inactive adults to healthy-food access. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the most overweight and obese. Each metropolitan area’s overall score was then based on the weighted average across all metrics. More information about the methodology is available here.
The most obese and overweight cities, according to the analysis:
1. Little Rock, Ark. — 83.96
2. McAllen, Texas. — 83.22
3. Memphis, Tenn. — 83.09
4. Jackson, Miss. — 82.49
5. Augusta, Ga. — 81.78
6. Lafayette, La. — 81.66
7. Fayetteville, Ark. — 81.62
8. Shreveport, La. — 81.42
9. Mobile, Ala. — 81.38
10. Baton Rouge, La. — 80.20
Cities with the lowest rates of overweight and obesity, according to the analysis:
1. Honolulu — 58.81
2. Denver — 59.19
3. Seattle — 60.80
4. Colorado Springs, Colo. — 61.56
5. San Jose, Calif. — 61.80
6. Boston — 61.81
7. San Francisco — 62.92
8. Minneapolis — 63.29
9. Salt Lake City — 63.37
10. Portland, Ore. — 63.52
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.