West Virginia Named Unhealthiest State in US

Southern States Dominate List of Least Healthy, According to Forbes Advisor Study

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.