Obesity most prevalent in these 3 southern cities

Whether this is due to lack of healthy food items and education or easy access to fast food, obesity-related healthcare costs in America have grown to $190.2 billion, the National League of Cities recently reported.

"Obesity is becoming more and more prevalent in the U.S., and it's costing us big time," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, who is based in South Carolina, said in a statement.

Obesity is defined by the CDC as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Severe obesity is defined as having a BMI of 40 or higher.

The following cities came out on top as the most overweight in the country.

McAllen, Texas, ranked No. 1 as America's most overweight city.

Hidalgo County came in first overall, with the highest percentage of obese adults (45%) and physically inactive adults.

The study also found that 31% of adults in McAllen are overweight, but not obese.

"McAllen residents are also very affected by diseases related to being [at] an unhealthy weight," WalletHub called out. 

Little Rock, Arkansas, ranked as America's second-most overweight city.

The city has the fourth-highest rate of obese children aged 10 to 17 at nearly 23%, as well as high rates of teenage obesity, according to WalletHub.

The city has the second-lowest numbers of health educators per capita, the study revealed, and limited access to healthy foods.

"The problem will likely remain for the foreseeable future, too, as Little Rock has the second-highest projected obesity rate for 2030," WalletHub predicted.

Jackson, Mississippi, came in as No. 3 overall, but ranked No. 1 in the obesity and overweight benchmark. 

The city also has the second-highest percentage of physically inactive adults, which WalletHub considered a "big reason" why many residents are overweight and obese.

About 37% of adults in Jackson are obese, with high rates of obesity for kids and teens as well.

WalletHub added that many Jackson residents lack easy access to healthy food.

"My suggestion is to improve one's diet by taking a critical look at what we eat and drink and plan on how to improve it slowly," she said. "It is very challenging to change everything at once. Take one action and implement it."

"For example, you could start by eating all your meals with water instead of juice, sodas, etc.," she said.