How This Place Became Alabama’s Fattest City

Obesity in America is a conversation that needs to be discussed. We are statistically some of the most overweight people in the world.

With so msny adults being labeled as obese, you would think there would be more healthy options available to the general population. You’d think with statistics like these, healthy food options would be more accessible. But instead, we’re bombarded with fast food joints, sugary snacks, and highly processed meals at every turn.

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The costs of medical treatment related to obesity has increased to $190.2 billion a year according to Wallet Hub. For Americans that number sounds absurd. That’s not just a number—it’s a wake-up call. Sure, we all love comfort food, but at the end of the day, we’re responsible for what we put on our plates.

With a plethora of dietary preferences out here, for example, vegan, pescatarian, & vegetarian, there are options for healthier eating habits. Those options, however, may be more readily available in specific areas in comparison to others.

WalletHub compared 100 of the most populated U.S metro areas across 19 key indicators of weight-related issues. One result really caught my eye: Birmingham ranked #10 on the list of most overweight cities. If you’re from Alabama, that might not be too shocking, we do love our barbecue. But a top ten spot? That hit home. It reflects not just our cultural preferences but also the lack of easily available healthy alternatives in many communities.

They say, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” That’s a powerful reminder that what we eat affects every aspect of our lives, from our energy levels to our ability to show up for our families.

Some of us may have grown up in homes where health wasn’t the top priority, it was about what was quick, affordable, and tasty. But now, as adults, and especially as parents, we must rethink that mindset. It's time we make our health a priority. Not just for ourselves, but for the people who count on us.