Study: Here Are the Top 10 Unhealthiest States in America

A recent study has pinpointed the area with the highest concentration of unhealthy individuals in the United States.

Forbes Advisor was responsible for this analysis, evaluating each state based on various criteria including the prevalence of drug misuse, unhealthy life choices and persistent illnesses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines chronic diseases as health conditions that persist for a year or more, necessitating continuous medical attention. These illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, are the primary causes of death and disability in the country, as highlighted by the CDC.

An independent research entity, The Commonwealth Fund, issued a report in 2023. This report revealed that the U.S. has the most significant number of people with multiple chronic illnesses in comparison to other affluent countries.

West Virginia occupies the top position as the unhealthiest state in the U.S. This state is central to the opioid crisis in the nation. Forbes Advisor’s analysis shows that West Virginia has the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Recent increases in the use of substances like fentanyl and the so-called “zombie drug” xylazine have exacerbated the state’s crisis, as NewsNation has reported.

Notably, West Virginia has the highest proportion of adult smokers at 21%, the most significant percentage of obese adults at 41% and the second-lowest life expectancy nationwide, which is 73.9 years.

Mississippi, ranking as the second most unhealthy state, has the shortest life expectancy in the country at 73.63 years, according to the study. The Magnolia State struggles with high rates of chronic diseases, including the highest cancer mortality rate in the U.S., at 17.37 deaths per 100,000 residents.

The data further indicates that Mississippi experiences elevated levels of hypertension and diabetes. A staggering 43.9% of adults in the state have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and 13.7% with diabetes.

Apart from West Virginia and Mississippi, six other southern states are listed among the top 10 unhealthiest:

• West Virginia
• Mississippi
• Tennessee
• Arkansas
• Kentucky
• Alabama
• Louisiana
• Oklahoma
• Ohio
• Indiana

Conversely, Hawaii, known for its stunning beauty, boasts the best health profile in the U.S. The Forbes Advisor study found that Hawaiians enjoy the highest life expectancy in the nation at 80.87 years. Moreover, the incidence of chronic diseases in Hawaii is significantly lower compared to other states.

Minnesota stands as the only Midwestern state in the top 10 healthiest list. Additionally, five East Coast states are featured on this list, with the rest spread across the West:

• Hawaii

• Utah
• Connecticut
• Minnesota
• Massachusetts
• Colorado
• New Jersey
• New Hampshire
• Washington
• New York

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