When you look around, it’s easy to tell that Oklahoma isn’t the healthiest state in the U.S., but have you ever wondered how unhealthy Oklahoma really is?
In 2012, Oklahoma ranked 43 out of 46 states in the health rankings in the U.S. according to americashealthstatistics.com. This ranking takes into account the number of obese adults, adults with diabetes and smoking adults.
According to Americashealthstatistics.com, Oklahoma is the No. 6 most obese state in the U.S. after Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, Alabama and Michigan. A total of 31.1 percent of adults living in Oklahoma are considered obese, meaning they have a body mass index of 30 or higher. The high level of adult obesity contributes to Oklahoma’s high number of adults who have suffered a heart attack, have high blood pressure and are at risk of a stroke.
In addition to other health risks, adults that suffer from obesity are more likely to have diabetes. According to americashealthrankings.org, 10.4 percent of adults in Oklahoma were living with diabetes in 2011. Diabetes can cause a decrease in sensation, damage to kidneys, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Although the number of smoking adults in Oklahoma is decreasing, 26.1 percent of adults over the age of 18 do smoke. According to tobaccofreekids.org, Oklahoma is the No. 3 state with most adults who smoke following Arkansas and West Virginia. Smoking on a regular basis can increase a person’s chances of suffering from lung diseases, coronary heart disease, and lung cancer.
Even though the amount of people struggling with drug addiction does not contribute to Oklahoma’s overall health ranking, our state still has one of the highest percentages in the U.S. Oklahoma is the No. 1 state in the U.S. in prescription painkiller abuse. According to city-sentinel.com, 240,000 Oklahomans ages 12 and above took prescription painkillers for nonmedical use in 2012 alone. Oklahoma also ranked in the top 10 states in other types of drug abuse including methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and heroin.
The high percentages of adult obesity, adult diabetes, smoking and drug abuse prove Oklahoma is not just unhealthy, but the No. 3 most unhealthy state in the U.S.