A recent study by Forbes Advisor determined that Tennessee is among the states with the least healthy populations in the country. The key lifestyle risks for chronic disease include tobacco use, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol use, said the CDC. Eight of the 10 least healthy states are Southern states: West Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Tennessee has the highest rate of opioid misuse (3,743.97 per 100,000 adults) and prescription pain reliever misuse (3,190.88 per 100,000 adults) in the country, indicating a major opioid epidemic. Eighth-highest rate of both hypertension deaths (11.53 deaths per 100,000 state residents) and chronic lower respiratory disease deaths (51.9 deaths per 100,000 state residents).

Source: Forbes January 08, 2024 19:17 UTC