I don't know if it's been studied from that perspective, Denise. The statistics for MC aren't an awful lot higher than state averages, certainly better than some but worse than others. Plus it gets confusing when we break it down to percentage overweight, then obese, (which has almost doubled in fifteen years) and morbid obese (tripled).
Personally I feel that when a town HAS adequate public workout facilities available, people will use them. Otherwise they can cop out with the excuse. I see people work hard at it every day. They must want to feel better, look better, live longer. Good for them!
Then look at the cost of taking care of the overweight and obese. That's a whole 'nuther matter. Too bad some of that cost couldn't be prevented by spending money on fitness centers, huh? If you really want to get annoyed, look at Montana's child obesity statistics, compared to nationwide. I wish something could be done to help...