Spatial convergence in terms of ‘health’ has been examined in only a few empirical studies. This paper addresses the relation between unemployment and obesity in US States within a ‘health’ convergence context. After controlling for spatial effects, we show that unemployment is not only positively related to obesity, but also accelerates the speed of adjustment towards to a State’s own steady-state level of ‘health’ conditions. Our findings clarify that straightforward possibilities for geographical convergence in health conditions are limited; an observation that provides policy-makers with valuable insights into the process of regional allocation of public funds aimed at improving health conditions.