| Recent Studies Show How Unhealthy Americans Are and Which Cities Are the Fittest |
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A University of South Carolina study published in the American Medical journal found that physical activity and healthy eating rates are down, while obesity is up. The study looked at the the number of Americans who met all five of a healthy checklist including not smoking, not drinking alcohol, eating their vegetables, and working out three times a week. The number of Americans who met all five of a healthy checklist actually went down from 15% to 8% in the past two decades. The number of people who fit the healthy profile in all five categories is way down and the number that get four stars has dropped from 45% to 32%. The latest surveys were done from 2003 to ‘06.Many American claim that their schedules force them off the health wagon. Although many people were not surprised by the study results, the numbers didn’t add up to everyone, especially those living in Washington, D.C. In their second annual American Fitness Index (AFI), the American College of Sports Medicine gave Washington, DC, top ranking. Cities are ranked by a number of individual factors and local health resources. The percentage of residents who smoke or who are overweight, are factored into the index along with statistics on regular physical activity and number of servings of fruits and veggies eaten daily. These personal details are counted up alongside information on the number of parks, farmers markets, primary healthcare providers, and crime rates of the region. DC came out on top with Minneapolis-St. Paul ranking number two. Denver, Boston, and San Francisco rounded out the top five. See if your city ranked in the top 50 when you read more.
6. Seattle, WA 
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Despite all the information we hear in the media on the benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise, a recent study shows that Americans are not improving their lifestyles.
