2009 Fattest Cities: #1 Miami, FL
A shocking revelation for this haven of hot bodies
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So much for the South Beach Diet. While Miami's nightlife and shores don't lack for buff bodies, the majority of residents should probably put a shirt on (61.5% of Miami residents are heavy enough to increase their risk for weight-related health problems). Though Miami has a high number of health-food stores per capita, it also has almost three times the fast-food restaurants as the average city. The area also has 79% more gyms and health clubs than average, but residents are less likely than average to regularly use their memberships.
"Because we have year-round warm weather, many people opt to walk, run, or take part in outdoor activities for their fitness," says Kelly Penton, director of communications for the mayor's office. Actually, they don't. Miamians also scored poorly in motivation due to low participation rates in outdoor activities like biking, running, and fitness walking despite a relatively pleasant climate most of the year. The city's commute (50% more oppressive than average) and air quality (ranked the worst in our survey according to EPA standards) certainly don't help matters either.
Report Card:
Fitness Centers & Sport Stores: A
Nutrition; B+
Sports Participation: F
TV Viewing: F
Overweight/Sedentary: F+
Junk Food: F
Air Quality: F+
Geography: B-
Commute: F+
Parks & Open Space: D
City Rec Facilities: D-
Access to Healthcare: C-
Motivation: F
Mayor & City Initiatives: C-
State Obesity Initiatives: F+
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