Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland is among the top five fittest cities in the nation -- according to a report released today Monday by the American Fitness Index. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Washington D.C. was the fittest, mainly because fewer residents smoke; more tend to eat healthy food; and as a group they use a lot of mass transit -- meaning they walk a lot as a part of their commute. 

Walter Thompson, a Georgia State University professor, put the study together. He says Portlanders did well because they're physically active: Walter Thompson: "They also have a lower percentage of coronary artery disease, a lower death rate from cardiovascular disease. Those are diseases that are often brought about by poor behavior -- decreased physical activity and poor diet."

Portland lost points because a low percentage of kids take PE classes in school.

Most of the fittest cities lie on the west coast.

Apart from the nation's capital, Eastern and southern states didn't do as well. Detroit, Memphis and Oklahoma City were at the bottom of the list.

The study also found that poverty levels and high crime rates correlated with poor health.

Web extra:

American Fitness Index Quick View