New research reveals the most body-confident US states – and Montana comes out on top
- A new study has identified the states that are least interested in weight loss, with Montana having the lowest average monthly search volume for tips on how to do so
- Montana has an average of 167 Google searches per 100k each month – 30% below the nation’s average of 240
- While Montana is the most content with their appearance, New York is the most interested in slimming down, with residents searching for advice 18% more than the typical American
- A fitness expert offers tips to those who are interested in weight loss on how to maximize their workouts and meet their targets – without setting unrealistic goals
A new analysis of Google searches around weight loss has revealed the most body-positive states – and it turns out Montana is the least interested in weight loss.
The research, pulled together by fitness experts Lift Vault, collated Google search volume for keywords related to weight-loss suggestions, spanning the past three years, to identify which areas viewed it as more of a priority.
People in Montana are significantly less focused on weight loss than the average person in the US, with only 167 searches per 100k – 30% below the US average of 240.
The majority of Alaska also appear to be pleased with their body image, as the average monthly search volume is only 175 searches per 100k – 27% below the national average.
Behind Alaska as the third most body-confident state is Idaho, searching 26% less than the typical American at 177 per 100k.
Top 10 most body-confident states
| State | Searches per 100k | |
| 1 | Montana | 167 |
| 2 | Alaska | 175 |
| 3 | Idaho | 177 |
| 4 | Wyoming | 182 |
| 5 | Louisiana | 187 |
| 6 | Oklahoma | 190 |
| 7 | Arkansas | 194 |
| 8 | Mississippi | 199 |
| 9 | South Dakota | 199 |
| 10 | Maine | 201 |
On the other end of the spectrum, New York is considerably more interested in losing weight, as the state is looking for tips and advice far more than anywhere else in the US.
The average monthly search volume is 282 per 100k, which is 18% above the US average.
California also hopes to burn fat more than the average person at 272 searches per 100k, still 13% higher than the national average.
Following behind California as the third most-interested state is New Jersey, with 262 searches per 100k – 9% above the US average.
Top 10 states interested in weight loss
| State | Searches per 100k | |
| 1 | New York | 282 |
| 2 | California | 272 |
| 3 | New Jersey | 262 |
| 4 | Illinois | 261 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 259 |
| 6 | Maryland | 249 |
| 7 | Connecticut | 249 |
| 8 | Texas | 248 |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 244 |
| 10 | Virginia | 244 |
As well as revealing the states least and most interested in weight loss advice, the study also analyzed searches around weight loss aspirations from the US as a whole, to identify which body part Americans hope to shred fat from the most – and a flat stomach is the main goal.
The average monthly search volume is over 290,000 (87 per 100k), meaning well over half of searches related to fat loss (58%) are focused on belly fat.
Following the stomach as the second area people most want to lose weight in is – surprisingly – the face, with an average monthly search volume of over 85,000 (25 per 100k).
Americans are keen to lose arm fat too, which is the third biggest weight loss aspiration with nearly 40,000 monthly searches (11 per 100k).
Ankles, however, are of the least concern, with just 250 average monthly searches – only making up a minute 0.05% of the total searches.
The 5 biggest weight loss aspirations in the US
|
|
Aspiration |
Monthly Google Searches |
Searches per 100k |
|
1 |
Lose Stomach Fat |
290,044 |
87 |
|
2 |
Lose Face Fat |
85,169 |
25 |
|
3 |
Lose Arm Fat |
37,939 |
11 |
|
4 |
Lose Back Fat |
34,828 |
10 |
|
5 |
Lose Thigh Fat |
23,891 |
7 |
Commenting on the findings, a Lift Vault spokesperson says: “Having a clear goal in mind for what you hope to gain from your workouts can massively help with motivation – but, it’s important to make sure that your aspirations are realistic, otherwise you may get disheartened.
“Whether it’s a toned stomach or bigger glutes you want, once you commit to this being your end goal, it’s immediately easier to commit to and refine your training. Make sure to track your progress so that you can celebrate your wins and identify any areas that you can improve.
“And if you’re still struggling with motivation, searching up new workout inspo is a great way to cure the boredom that can come with sticking to the same routine day in day out. Sometimes all you need is a bit of variation and you’re ready to go again.”
-ENDS-
Sources: Google Keyword Planner (analyzed search volume data in the US over the past three years)
*********************************************************************
2023-24 Area Conference Schedules: Conference and Team Links
Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Athlete of the Week and Team of the Week:
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
**********************************************
Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach, or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, administration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
