
Percentage of physically inactive U.S. adults by state 2017-2020
Physical inactivity and obesity
Physical inactivity is an important risk factor in the development of obesity. Similar to physical inactivity rates, Mississippi has the highest rates of obesity at almost 40 percent while Colorado had the lowest rate at around 24 percent. Prevalence rates of obesity have grown steadily among U.S. adults over the past few decades.
Activity recommendations
Physical inactivity not only increases the risk of being overweight or obese but also raises the risk of developing other diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Due to the increased health risks of inactivity, the U.S. government recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity for adults. Children are recommended to include 60 or more minutes per day for aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities three times per week.