Texas’ Economy Isn’t the Only Thing That’s Growing, New Weight Study Finds

Some of the best food you ever had in your life is going to be here in Central Texas. I can promise you that. In fact, the Lone Star State is a foody's paradise, but maybe everything here is too delicious, if the results of a new study are any indication.

252 OF TEXAS' 254 COUNTIES HAVE GOTTEN FATTER OVER THE PAST DECADE

A new study from County Health Rankings compared 2012 obesity rates to newly released data for 2022. What they found shows that everything really is bigger in Texas - including our waistlines.

Texas was ranked number 41 when it came to the ranking states in order of the amount of obesity change in the last 10 years. We saw an increase of 5%, making us one of the biggest gainers of pounds in the nation.

Only two Texas counties - Travis and Kaufman - saw a 0% change.

Get our free mobile app

Five Texas counties that have seen the biggest obesity rate growth are:

• Willacy: 16% more obese.
• Zavala: 16% more obese.
• Hidalgo: 18% more obese.
• Starr: 18% more obese.
• Presidio: 20% more obese.

HOW DID BELL COUNTY DO?

Between 2012 and 2022, Bell County's obesity rate grew by 10% (from 29% in 2012 to 39% today). Out of 254 counties, we placed at 181.

YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND GREAT EATS IN CENTRAL, BUT AT WHAT COST?

We are very proud to brag about how tasty our food is. There's nothing wrong with taking pride in that, but we really should do better when it comes to making healthy choices, managing portions, and being more active.

Given how many beautiful places we have to hike, bike, and run around here (including two lakes), maybe we can lower our obesity rate by this time next decade, huh?