Physical inactivity prevalence by race/ethnicity U.S. 2021

As of 2021, the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle in the United States was highest among Hispanic adults, with a total of 29 percent. Asian Americans were the most active of all races/ethnic groups at that time.

Inactive states

People from Mississippi were the least physically active Americans from 2017 to 2020. About 33 percent of adults in Mississippi stated that they did not partake in any physical activity or exercise besides their job within the last thirty days. Colorado, Utah, and Washington were among the most physically active states at that time.

Watch your diet

In 2020, approximately 100 million people in the United States stated that they watched their diet in order to lose weight. Other common reasons for watching weight included keeping cholesterol and blood sugar levels under control. Furthermore, around 44 percent of U.S. college students were trying to lose weight in 2021. A larger percentage of female students were trying to lose weight than male college students.

Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults in the U.S. as of 2021, by race/ethnicity*

Characteristic	Percentage of U.S. adults
Non-Hispanic White	21.9%
Non-Hispanic Black	28.7%
Hispanic	29.1%
Asian	17.4%
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander	21.4%
American Indian/Alaska Native	27.5%
2 or more races	18.5%
Other race	25.1%

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Release date

January 2023

More information

Region

United States

Survey time period

2021

Age group

18 years and older

Supplementary notes

Release date represents the date figures were accessed.

Respondents were classified as participating in no leisure-time physical activity if they responded "no" to the following question: "During the past month, other than your regular job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise?" Adults aged ≥ 18 years. Respondents with missing data were excluded.

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