Despite all the craft beer we imbibe, Colorado's waistlines remain the slimmest and trimmest in the nation.
Blue skies, sunshine, farmer's markets, and outdoor activities galore do a body good ... really good, apparently. In a new report released by WalletHub, Colorado has been crowned the healthiest state in the country.
The findings of the 2018 Fattest States in America report says that our great state has the lowest numbers of obese adults and physically inactive adults in the country. We also held the 49th lowest percentage of obese children and the 47th lowest percentage of adults with high blood pressure. The Centennial State also has the 49th lowest percentage of adults with Type 2 diabetes, as well as the 47th lowest percentage of adults eating less than one serving of fruits or vegetables a day (meaning, we LOVE our veggies!).
Wallethub's study compared all states and the District of Columbia across 25 key metrics, including share of obese and overweight population, sugary beverage consumption in adolescents, and obesity-related health care costs, to name a few.
Coming at No. 2 healthiest state was Utah, followed by Hawaii, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia rounding out the five healthiest, respectively. Conversely, the fattest states in the U.S. were Mississippi (No. 1), West Virginia (No. 2), Arkansas (No. 3), Kentucky (No. 4), and Tennessee (No. 5).
While we are a seriously active state, unfortunately, it appears that, as a nation, we are trending toward less overall health due to weight and inactivity.
"'Fat' is becoming the new normal in America. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than seven in 10 U.S. adults aged 20 and older are either overweight or obese. Rates are lower for children and adolescents but have risen drastically in the past few decades," the report states, adding that it found that our collective medical tab for obesity is at around $200 billion.
On a less-of-a-bummer note, the study also looked at the most popular comfort food in each state. Colorado's favorite? Chile Verde!
What do you think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
SoulCycle has opened its first location in Denver! Check it out!