In the midst of our raging obesity epidemic, an unscientific survey by Men’s Fitness named Baltimore the most fit city in the U.S. in their eight annual poll. The researchers said they take into consideration things like amount of public green space, health care access, availability of fast food, and air quality. Baltimoreans expressed surprise at the verdict: “We eat a lot of fried foods––fried chicken and soul food,” one resident told the Associated Press. Last year’s winner, java-driven Seattle, has been booted down to the eighth slot. Coming in after Baltimore on the list is Honolulu, which was also number two last year. Third prize goes to Virginia Beach, Virginia, another beach-based town with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities.

On the “unfit” side of things, Chicago tops the list, bumping last year’s blue-ribbon winner, Houston, down to five. The winded city is closely followed by Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Check out the complete list here. With tides shifting so quickly, though, there is opportunity for redemption before 2007. Men’s Fitness offers suggestions for citizens to get their cities back on the treadmill. Below, their tips abbreviated.

1. Make it easier for people to get to work… traffic stress increases the body’s production of the hormone cortisol, which has been shown to directly contribute to obesity.

2. Take action to improve air and water quality. Start by enacting and enforcing regulation of smoking in public places.

3. Offer municipal employees a benefits package that includes subsidized health-club memberships or other motivation to get in better shape.

4. Install bike lanes and bike racks, particularly in commuter centers. Add bike racks to public buses.

5. Support fitness and nutrition programs in schools. Educate children and parents about the effect of a sedentary lifestyle revolving around video games, TV, and the Internet.

6. Have a local TV-free day.

7. Promote citywide fitness events such as walk-to-work days, walk-at-lunch days, and regular neighborhood group walks, particularly in senior neighborhoods and areas with high crime.

8. Partner with local restaurant associations, chambers of commerce, and health-club operators to offer incentives for people to make healthful lifestyle choices.

9. Support adult-education classes in nutrition, healthful cooking, and exercise techniques.

10. Invest in public parks, trails, and recreational facilities.

11. Encourage development of pedestrian malls, hiking/walking/skating paths, and other car-free options.

12. Above all, approach the obesity epidemic seriously, as you would any other health crisis. It’s a community problem that requires a community solution.

Photo by Randy Harris for Men’s Fitness