About one in five Americans do not engage in any physical activity outside of their work, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the United Health Foundation. This statistic highlights significant disparities in exercise habits across the United States, with states like Mississippi showing alarming rates of inactivity. The findings indicate that nearly 22% of adults report no exercise beyond their regular employment.
Mississippi ranks as the least active state, with a staggering 30.6% of adults indicating they do not participate in physical activities during their leisure time. West Virginia and Arkansas follow closely, with inactivity rates of 28.7% and 28.5%, respectively. Other states in the Southern and Appalachian regions, including Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, also report similarly high inactivity rates, each around 28%.
State Rankings and Health Risks
At the opposite end of the scale, Washington, D.C., boasts the lowest rate of physical inactivity at 13.9%. Among states, Colorado (15.6%), Vermont (16%), and Utah (17%) emerge as the most active. States with major urban centers, such as New York and California, generally fall closer to the national average, with inactivity rates of approximately 24% and 21%, respectively. Notably, Tennessee was the only state for which data was unavailable.
Public health experts caution that the implications of inactivity can be dire. The United Health Foundation emphasizes that insufficient physical activity is associated with heightened risks for various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, specific cancers, dementia, anxiety, and depression. The report underscores the importance of regular exercise, asserting that “being physically active and reducing sedentary behavior improves health at all ages.”
Federal guidelines suggest that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, which could include activities like brisk walking. A comprehensive study published in the journal Circulation found that individuals who exceed these minimum activity recommendations significantly reduce their risk of death from cardiovascular disease and other health-related causes.
Socioeconomic Factors and National Trends
The report also highlights that inactivity rates are notably higher among adults with lower incomes, limited education, disabilities, and those residing in rural areas. Additionally, individuals in physically demanding jobs may be less likely to engage in recreational exercise compared to those with desk jobs.
Despite these concerning statistics, there are signs of improvement. Nationally, the percentage of adults reporting no physical activity dropped from 24.2% in 2023 to 21.8% in 2024, marking the lowest level since tracking began nearly three decades ago. States like Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming showed notable improvements in activity levels.
The report also identifies New Hampshire as the healthiest state overall, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Utah. In contrast, Louisiana ranked as the least healthy state, closely followed by Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia.
Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, executive vice president and chief medical officer at UnitedHealth Group, stated, “As we reflect on the findings in this year’s Annual Report, we must rededicate ourselves to improving health care in this country and creating a healthier nation for all.” The ongoing trends in physical activity highlight the need for targeted public health initiatives to encourage exercise and reduce health risks associated with inactivity.