One in five Americans do not engage in any physical activity outside of work, with Mississippi reporting the highest inactivity rate at 30.6% and Colorado the lowest at 15.6%.
According to a recent report, approximately one in five Americans do not participate in any physical activity outside of their jobs. This trend varies significantly by state, with some regions showing much higher rates of inactivity than others.
New federal data reveals that nearly 22% of adults report no physical activity beyond their regular employment, as highlighted in the latest America’s Health Rankings report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the United Health Foundation. Mississippi leads the nation in inactivity, with 30.6% of its adult population indicating they do not exercise outside of work. Following closely are West Virginia and Arkansas, with inactivity rates of 28.7% and 28.5%, respectively.
Several Southern and Appalachian states exhibit similarly high levels of inactivity. Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma each report inactivity rates around 28%. In contrast, Washington, D.C., boasts the lowest overall rate of physical inactivity at 13.9%. Among states, Colorado ranks as the most active, with only 15.6% of its residents reporting no exercise outside of work. Vermont (16%) and Utah (17%) also rank high in activity levels.
Other states with notable inactivity rates include Washington and Minnesota, both reporting figures between 17% and 18%. States with major urban centers, such as New York and California, tend to fall closer to the national average. New York has an inactivity rate of approximately 24%, while California is near the national average at 21%. Tennessee is the only state lacking available data on this issue.
Public health experts emphasize the serious health risks associated with inactivity. The United Health Foundation points out that insufficient physical activity is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, dementia, anxiety, and depression. The report underscores the importance of being physically active and reducing sedentary behavior, stating that these practices improve health across all age groups.
Federal guidelines recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Research published in the journal *Circulation* indicates that adults who exceed these minimum activity guidelines experience significantly lower risks of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Even small increments of physical activity, such as adding just 10 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise daily, could prevent tens of thousands of deaths annually, according to researchers.
Inactivity rates are notably higher among adults with lower incomes, less education, disabilities, and those residing in rural areas. Additionally, individuals in physically demanding jobs may be less inclined to engage in recreational exercise compared to those in desk jobs.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of improvement. The report indicates a national decline in the number of adults reporting no physical activity, dropping from 24.2% in 2023 to 21.8% in 2024. This marks the lowest level of inactivity recorded since tracking began nearly three decades ago. States such as Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming have shown notable progress in reducing inactivity rates.
Interestingly, many states with the lowest inactivity rates also rank among the healthiest overall. New Hampshire tops the list, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Utah. Conversely, Louisiana is identified as the least healthy state, followed by Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia.
Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, executive vice president and chief medical officer at UnitedHealth Group, emphasized the need for continued efforts to enhance healthcare and promote a healthier nation. “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,” she stated.
As the data suggests, where one lives can significantly impact their likelihood of engaging in physical activity, highlighting the importance of community resources and support for promoting healthier lifestyles.
For further details, refer to the report from the United Health Foundation.