McAllen Drops to Second-Fattest City in U.S.

Rio Grande Valley city loses 7-year streak as nation's most obese metro area.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:05am

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McAllen, Texas has been ranked the second-fattest city in America, according to a new WalletHub report. This marks the first time since 2019 that the Rio Grande Valley city has dropped from the top spot, which this year went to Little Rock, Arkansas. Nearly half of McAllen's adult population is considered obese, while another 31% are overweight but not obese. The city also has high rates of teen obesity and physically inactive adults, though it did not crack the top five for percentage of diabetic adults.

Why it matters

McAllen's high obesity rates have long been a public health concern for the region, with the city's sedentary lifestyle and limited access to healthy foods contributing to chronic disease. While the city has invested in parks, trails, and outdoor recreation, the new ranking suggests more work is needed to address the underlying factors driving the obesity epidemic.

The details

According to the WalletHub report, McAllen has the highest percentage of obese adults in the country at 45%, as well as the second-highest rate of obese teens. The city also has the fourth-highest heart disease rate and the seventh-highest share of people with diabetes. Factors like a lack of access to parks and recreational facilities have been cited as contributors to the city's weight problems.

  • The new WalletHub rankings were published on March 16, 2026.
  • McAllen had held the title of fattest city in America since 2019.

The players

WalletHub

A personal finance website that publishes an annual ranking of the fattest cities in the United States.

McAllen, Texas

A city in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas that has long struggled with high obesity rates among its adult and teen populations.

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What’s next

City leaders in McAllen have been working to address the obesity crisis by investing in parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. The city recently opened a 53-acre 'urban nature center and camp site' called Camp McAllen, and is in the midst of a $52 million project to expand the Quinta Mazatlán nature sanctuary.

The takeaway

While McAllen has lost its unenviable title as the fattest city in America, the community still faces significant public health challenges related to obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Addressing these issues will require a multi-faceted approach focused on improving access to healthy foods, increasing physical activity opportunities, and promoting behavioral changes among residents.