Augusta, GA
Augusta needs to lose weight, ranking top 5 in ‘America’s fattest cities’
Jelly Roll talks weight loss at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala red
Jelly Roll shows off his fit and talks about his weight loss journey at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala red carpet.
USA TODAY ENTERTAINMENT
The Mayo Clinic defines obesity as a complex disease involving too much body fat. The problems it creates go beyond the cosmetic looks, increasing patients’ risks of liver disease, sleep apnea, certain cancers, and other conditions. So where is it the biggest problem?
On Monday, WalletHub released its list of the ‘fattest cities in America.’ This looked at number of residents who are overweight, diabetic, have high blood pressure, and/or have heart disease as well as obesity-related death rates, access and consumption healthy foods, number of health educators, access to recreational facilities, and similar metrics.
Obesity in Augusta
Augusta is not only the fattest city in Georgia, it’s one of the fattest in the U.S. ranking No. 5. The Garden City had the second highest percentage of diabetic adults in the nation.
Obesity in Georgia
The only other Georgia city to make the list was Atlanta in the No. 56 spot overall. The capital city ranked in the bottom 20 for food and fitness, but was in the top 30 for sheer obesity and overweight resident numbers.
According to body mass index data from the CDC, as of 2024, almost 70% of Georgians are overweight and just over one-third are obese. However, the accuracy of BMI has become controversial. If you want better information about your weight and where it stands, talk to your doctor.
What are the ‘fattest cities in America?’
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- McAllen, Texas
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Augusta, Georgia
What is the healthiest city in US?
- Honolulu, HI
- Denver, CO
- Seattle, WA
- Colorado Springs, CO
- San Jose, CA
Average US weight
According to the CDC, the average weight for American men is 199 pounds and for women it’s 171.8 pounds.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
Augusta, GA
Richmond County traffic stop attempt leads to chase, rollover crash
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A traffic stop attempt by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office ended in a rollover crash Friday afternoon after the driver refused to stop, authorities said.
Deputies attempted to stop the red 2017 Honda Civic around 2:22 p.m. on Peach Orchard Road near Mike Padgett Highway, according to the sheriff’s office. The driver continued south on Mike Padgett Highway before traveling east on Marvin Griffin Road, deputies said.
The pursuit ended near Marvin Griffin Road and Doug Barnard Parkway when the driver lost control, went into a ditch and crashed through a fence at the Augusta Water Works Wastewater Treatment Facility, according to authorities. The car overturned.
The driver had visible injuries that were described as non-life-threatening and was taken to a local hospital for treatment, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said warrants will be served after the driver is released from the hospital. Charges are expected to include multiple traffic violations, including felony fleeing or attempting to elude and DUI.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
VA Augusta launches new ambulance service
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The VA Augusta Healthcare System cut the ribbon on its new emergency ambulance service on Thursday.
The in-house medical transportation program is designed to ensure specialized care for veterans with complex medical needs.
“So we have two new ambulances that we have put into service officially,” said James Doelling, the interim executive director of VA Augusta Healthcare System. “This is for us to be able to, through patient safety and get veterans where they need to be, when they need to be, to make sure we’re given the best care anywhere in our nation’s heroes. We’re really excited. As you are aware, we are the only four star facility in the Augusta area, and this is only going to make us even better and deliver exceptional care to our heroes.”
The VA said it hopes the service will reduce delays and better support veterans.
Photojournalist credit: Dania Alawir
Augusta, GA
Driver taken into custody after chase, rollover crash in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A driver is in custody after leading Richmond County deputies on a chase that ended in a rollover crash Thursday evening.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies say they attempted to stop a black BMW sedan with no registration plate on Tubman Home Road at Gordon Highway around 6:30 p.m.
The driver, Willie Junior Brown, 33, failed to stop and led deputies on a pursuit, according law enforcement.
Deputies say Brown lost control of the vehicle on the 2500 block of Blueberry Drive, striking an unoccupied 1999 Chevrolet Silverado.
Brown’s vehicle rolled over and he then attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.
Deputies say Brown was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Several criminal charges are forthcoming and the investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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