In this article, we will be taking a look at the 6 unhealthiest states in the US. If you wish to learn about the US health expenditure, head straight to the 20 Unhealthiest States in the US.
6. Tennessee
Insider Monkey Score: 0.75
Tennessee faces high rates of obesity, particularly among youth, with 35.9% of adults and 15.4% of adolescents classified as overweight and 31.2% of adults and 16.9% of adolescents classified as obese. Only 25.4% of adolescents also engage in the recommended daily physical activity.
5. Alabama
Insider Monkey Score: 0.8
Alabama ranks among the least healthy states in the US, with high rates of obesity and prevalent diseases. It is noted as one of the states with the highest rates of obesity, facing significant health challenges. According to 2022 data, the adult obesity rate in Alabama stands at 38.3%, while the youth obesity rate is 13.9% in 2021.
4. Kentucky
Insider Monkey Score: 0.85
Kentucky is identified as one of the unhealthiest states in the US. Adults in Kentucky have the second-highest obesity rate nationally, with women at 40.9% and men at 39.8%. Additionally, children aged 10-17 in the state have the highest obesity rate for that age group in the country.
3. Arkansas
Insider Monkey Score: 0.9
Arkansas faces significant health challenges, ranking third among the unhealthiest states in the US due to its high obesity rate, with 38.7% of its population classified as obese. Additionally, Arkansas faces challenges related to other prevalent diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease (40.9%), Diabetes Mellitus (30.8%), and chronic Liver Disease and cirrhosis (12.7%). These health concerns emphasize the importance of comprehensive health initiatives to improve the well-being of Arkansansans.
2. Mississippi
Insider Monkey Score: 0.95
In 2021, around 40% of adults in Mississippi were obese, with 1 in 7 suffering from type 2 diabetes, often linked to obesity. Heart disease ranked as the leading cause of death, with an age-adjusted death rate of 255.2 per 100,000 residents, 46.84% higher than the national average. Urgent interventions are needed to address these health issues and improve cardiovascular outcomes in the state.
1. West Virginia
Insider Monkey Score: 1
West Virginia stands first among the unhealthiest states in the US, with high rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes. Many residents rate their health as fair or poor, particularly those aged 55-64, with low education and income below $15,000 annually. While uninsured rates are improving, some counties still have high rates. Private insurance is most common, followed by Medicare and Medicaid.
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