McAllen Drops From #1 Spot on Most Obese Cities List

Little Rock, Arkansas now tops the list as the most obese city in the U.S.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:56pm

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A new WalletHub report shows that McAllen, Texas is no longer the most obese city in the United States, dropping from the #1 spot it has held for years. Little Rock, Arkansas has now taken over the top position as the most overweight and obese metro area in the country.

Why it matters

Obesity is a major public health concern, contributing to increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The rankings of the most obese cities in the U.S. shed light on regional trends and socioeconomic factors that influence weight and health outcomes.

The details

Over 45% of adults in McAllen are considered obese, while 31% are overweight. Researchers found that high rates of physical inactivity, limited access to parks and recreation, and unhealthy diet and lifestyle patterns contributed to McAllen's long-standing status as the nation's most obese city. However, the city has now dropped to the #2 spot, with Little Rock, Arkansas taking over the top ranking.

  • McAllen, Texas has held the #1 ranking for most obese city since at least 2022.
  • The new WalletHub report showing the change in rankings was published on April 6, 2026.

The players

WalletHub

A personal finance website that conducted the study analyzing obesity rates across 100 of the most populated U.S. metro areas.

Little Rock, Arkansas

The city that has now surpassed McAllen, Texas as the most obese city in the United States.

McAllen, Texas

A Texas city that had held the #1 ranking for most obese city in the U.S. for several years, but has now dropped to the #2 spot.

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What’s next

Researchers and public health officials will likely continue to monitor obesity rates in McAllen, Texas and other cities to better understand the factors driving these trends and develop targeted interventions to promote healthier lifestyles.

The takeaway

The shift in the rankings of the most obese cities in the U.S. highlights the complex, multifaceted nature of the obesity epidemic. While McAllen's drop from the #1 spot is a positive sign, the high obesity rates across many southern states, including other major Texas cities, underscores the need for comprehensive, community-based strategies to address this critical public health challenge.