AgriLife Extension’s team-based approach improves fitness habits and reduces chronic disease risk May 14, 2025 - by Helen White Texans of all ages and fitness levels have walked their way to better health with Walk Across Texas for nearly 30 years.
Walk Across Texas, offered statewide through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, continues to show measurable impact: improving physical activity, lowering chronic disease risk and reducing health care costs across Texas communities. It has been recognized as a Best Practice Physical Activity program by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Since its launch in 1996, Walk Across Texas has reached more than 800,000 participants. In 2024, nearly 45,000 Texans across 162 counties took part in the program. The lifetime economic benefit for adult participants who completed the program in 2024 is estimated to be $119.5 million. “Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are among the most effective ways to reduce the risk and severity of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure and depression,” said Michael Lopez, DrPH, assistant professor and AgriLife Extension health specialist with the Family and Community Health Unit.
