Mapped: The most (and least) active states
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About one in five Americans report doing no physical activity or exercise outside their job, per a new report.
Why it matters: Even just moderate exercise can have tremendous benefits for your physical and mental well-being, research has found.
Driving the news: The findings, from 2024 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data, are highlighted in the United Health Foundation's new "America Health Rankings" report.
Zoom in: Mississippi (30.6%), West Virginia (28.7%) and Arkansas (28.5%) have the highest shares of adults reporting no physical activity other than work.
- Washington, D.C. (13.9%), Colorado (15.6%) and Vermont (16%) have the smallest shares.
- There's no data for Tennessee.
Between the lines: While the states with the least active adults tend to rank poorly in other health metrics, other factors could be at play here.
- People who work physically demanding jobs, for example, may be less likely to exercise for fun than desk jockeys.
