EL PASO, Texas -- Local registered dietician Kristin Finely isn’t surprised by this year’s Men’s Fitness list of fattest cities has El Paso ranked at No. 7.

"We see super duper portion sizes and that's always a problem, and that's always a problem," Finely said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 40 percent of El Pasoans are heavy enough to increase their risk of weight-related health problems, the third worst city in the study.

Finely said she believes a heavy diet of refined starch and a lack of exercise has a lot to with it. She also said El Paso’s lower average income effects many food habits.

"Certainly we think income has to do with health,” Finely said "They do have all those 99 cent deals now, and that makes for a fairly cheap meal. You can't get a salad for 99 cents anywhere."

According to a 2008 study by Men’s Fitness there were 35 percent fewer gym and health clubs in El Paso than a city of comparable size.

There is good news. In 2008, El Paso was ranked the No. 5 fattest city.

To see the entire list of fittest and fattest cities click here.