Missouri Named One of the Least Fit States in America

As I write this, I'm sitting leisurely on my couch in my Missouri home. That's telling as my birth state has just been officially declared one of the least fit states in America. Excuse me while I go get a snack.

Study Finds just shared this deep dive into fitness (or the lack thereof) of each state in America that was done by Nursa. Their ranking measured 10 different healthcare and fitness metrics to figure out the health levels (or not) of each state. What they learned is that many states in the South are among the least healthy places in America and Missouri was in the bottom 10 in the US.

To give you an idea of how much Missouri trails many of the other US states, the highest rated state had a fitness level of nearly 9. Missouri's fitness level was declared to be 5.82. I would like to contest one aspect of this. Those who did this study included what they perceive is an access to healthcare, family income and the "food environment". While I don't doubt those are important factors to consider, I don't believe that really has a direct cause and effect about how "fit" someone is. I know many who grew up in families that didn't have high incomes that went on to become very accomplished athletes. Even though many of their friends were into junk food, they chose their own healthier road. That's one reason why I think it's entertaining to hear that Missouri may not be the fittest, but I wouldn't take this ranking as health advice or something to make important decisions about.