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US Health Ranking Puts Vermont First, Louisiana Last

Southern states plagued by high obesity, smoking rates

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 4, 2008 4:28 PM CST

(Newser) – Move over, Mississippi: Louisiana is now America’s unhealthiest state, Reuters reports. An annual state-by-state report that measures factors like smoking, obesity, and health insurance coverage also put Vermont at the top for the second year in a row. The five healthiest states are:

  1. Vermont
  2. Hawaii
  3. New Hampshire
  4. Minnesota
  5. Utah

And the five unhealthiest:

  1. Louisiana
  2. Mississippi
  3. South Carolina
  4. Tennessee
  5. Texas

Stephanie Cummings weighs Robbie Phillips, a member from the YMCA's after-school program in Charleston. West Virginia is one of the country's unhealthiest states.
Stephanie Cummings weighs Robbie Phillips, a member from the YMCA's after-school program in Charleston. West Virginia is one of the country's unhealthiest states.   (AP photo)
Junk food takes a tool in Louisiana.
Junk food takes a tool in Louisiana.   (Shutterstock)
Smoking rates are a key factor in a state's overall health.
Smoking rates are a key factor in a state's overall health.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Feb 1, 2009 5:27 AM CST
Oh my god! The least religious state is the healthiest state and the most religious state is the next to the last unhealthiest state? Ok, everyone pray harder!
Guest
Dec 5, 2008 11:41 PM CST
i see fat people
Shannonals
Dec 5, 2008 4:10 AM CST
So basically everyone in the South is unhealthy?

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America's Health Rankings

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Health • US

 
obesity • health care • health • Texas • New Hampshire • South Carolina • smoking • Vermont • Louisiana • Utah • Tennessee • Minnesota • Mississippi • Hawaii

 
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