Overview

• West Virginia has been declared the unhealthiest state in the US, with the highest percentage of obese adults (41%), highest percentage of smokers (21%), and the second-worst life expectancy at 73.9 years.
• Other Southern states, including Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, also rank among the 10 least healthy states in the US.
• The study by Forbes Advisor used 21 metrics across three categories: disease risk factors and prevalence, substance abuse, lifestyle habits and health outlook.
• Hawaii was named the healthiest state, followed by Utah, Connecticut, Minnesota and Massachusetts.
• The study warns of significant rises in the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity by 2060, calling for states and the nation to prioritize public health.