Since its inception in 2008, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index has served as a barometer for the country's health. And, according to the newest round of results, there's a real trend emerging. For the fifth time in the past six years, Boulder, CO is the slimmest city in America. The community sees a 12.4% adult-obesity rate. Compare that to the 38.3% of McAllen-Edingburg-Mission area of Texas or the 39.5% in Huntington-Ashland-Ironton of West Virgina, Kentucky, and Ohio and you'll see why that's such a big deal.
The national obesity rate rose to an all-time high of 27.1% last year, up from 26.2% in 2012. But, as Gallup's study states, emulating communities like Boulder might be key to reducing that number. "With the national obesity rate at an all-time high, a focus on lowering obesity rates at the local level could be an effective way to reduce the obesity rate and its negative effects on the economy and individuals," according to the study. In other words, future survey results would ideally be a bit more like the spring dance scene in Mean Girls, in which not just Colorado, but several states, get a piece of the crown. Still none for Gretchen Weiners, though. (Time)