Author
Christopher Boan is a staff writer for BetKentucky.com. He has covered sports and sports betting for more than seven years and has worked for publications such as ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly and the Green Valley News.
Must be 18+ to participate and present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C’s and restrictions apply.
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Must be 21+ and present in KY. Bonus issued in non-withdrawable bonus bets that expires after 30 days. Unique user identity verification required. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
How Does Kentucky Stack Up Against Most Unhealthy States?
The American conscience is increasingly focused on wellness, which begs the question of which states are the most aligned with that vision by following the types of activities that lead to a happy, healthy life.
Sadly, for the Bluegrass State, it appears that that is not the case for some, as Kentucky ranks as the fifth least healthy state in the United States alongside Tennessee, thanks to its low life expectancy, high obesity, smoking rate and other metrics.
BetKentucky.com, home to all things Kentucky sports betting, wanted to see what states were the unhealthiest, according to life expectancy, obesity, smoking rate and physical activity. We ranked each state by each factor, then created an overall list based on the average ranks for each state.
Must be present in KY and 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
Top 10 Unhealthiest States
Rank | State | Average Rank |
|---|---|---|
1 | West Virginia | 48.5 |
2 | Mississippi | 47.5 |
3 | Louisiana | 47 |
4 | Alabama | 45.25 |
T-5 | Kentucky | 45 |
T-5 | Tennessee | 45 |
7 | Arkansas | 44 |
8 | Oklahoma | 43 |
9 | Ohio | 40.25 |
10 | Indiana | 40 |
Where Kentucky Stands Health Wise
Nationally, Kentucky’s average rank of 45 puts the Bluegrass State in a tie with their neighbors from Tennessee as the fifth least healthy state in America, ranking just behind Alabama at 45.25.
The least healthy states overall were West Virginia, which had an average rank of 48.5, followed by Mississippi (47.5 average rank), Louisiana (47 average rank) and Alabama.
The states that were slightly healthier than Kentucky by our metrics were Arkansas (44 average rank), Oklahoma (43 average rank), Ohio (40.25 average rank) and Indiana (40 average rank), illustrating the tradeoffs that come from living in a blue-collar state.
As the year progresses, maybe Kentucky residents should hit the many top-notch outdoor spaces in the state such as the Appalachian Mountains in the east or the trails along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River to the west.
Regardless of what residents do, they should do whatever it takes to improve their sedentary lifestyle, as Kentucky stands as one of America’s least healthy states across the board in 2024.
Look for more occasional lifestyle pieces from BetKentucky, such as: What is the Favorite Airline of Kentucky Residents?
USA Today photo by Tariq Zehawi.
Exclusive Offer
First Bet on Caesars
Up to $1,000
Use Promo Code:
BETKY1000
Must be present in KY and 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
First Bet Safety Net
Up To $1,000
Use Promo Code:
BETKY
Must be 18+ to participate and present in KY. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C’s and restrictions apply.
Up to
$1,500 in Bonus Bets
If Your First Bet Loses
Use Bonus Code:
BETKYCOM
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, Nevada, New York or Ontario.
Bet $5, Get
$200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
If Your Bet Wins
21+ and present in KY. Bonus issued in non-withdrawable bonus bets that expires 30 days after FanDuel accepts its first real money sports wager in KY (“9/28”). Unique user identity verification required. Offer ends on the Go Live Date. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Cited by leading media organizations, such as:
