Map highlights US states with highest obesity rates and health risks

A recent study by LookMeds ranks Mississippi as the unhealthiest state in the U.S., with high rates of obesity (40.1%), diabetes (15.3%), heart disease, and stroke. Alabama and Louisiana follow in second and third place, respectively. West Virginia has the highest obesity (41.2%) and diabetes rates (15.9%) but ranks fourth overall due to better heart disease and stroke statistics. Arkansas rounds out the top five unhealthiest states. In contrast, Colorado is the healthiest state, with the lowest diabetes rate (6.9%) and obesity rate (24.9%). Massachusetts, Vermont, Hawaii, and Minnesota also rank among the healthiest states.