Nevada - High Cholesterol
High cholesterol occurs when there is too much fat in the bloodstream. This is bad news for Nevadans, with an approximated 39% of them reportedly being informed by doctors that they need to lower their cholesterol. It’s thought to be more common for women, though men are affected too.
Pennsylvania - Asthma and Respiratory Issues
Unfortunately, cities in Pennsylvania are known for having poor air quality, so it’s no wonder that the state’s most prominent health condition is respiration-related. Many residents have asthma, including lots of children, and other respiratory issues, particularly those that affect the lungs, are also common.
Arizona - Diabetes
Diabetes has become an epidemic in Arizona, with approximately 10% of the population suffering from type 1 or type 2. In fact, over 34,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes every year in Arizona, and the causes are both genetic and environmental. There are thought to be numerous undiagnosed cases, too.
Kentucky - Lung Disease
Smoking is very prevalent in Kentucky, with an estimated one in six residents known to smoke. As a result, lung disease is also common, with a rate of 84%, which is very high compared to the national average of 53%. Thankfully, the state now has its own Lung Cancer Screening Program.
New Mexico - Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, all of which are fairly common in New Mexico. Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in New Mexico. Luckily, there is now a lot more coronary awareness in the state, which is helping to reduce that rate.
Wisconsin - Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is at a worrying high in Wisconsin, thanks to the state’s famous drinking culture, which has made it common for many people to drink to excess. However, binge drinking has massive health impacts, with lots of Wisconsin residents developing further complications due to their binge drinking.
Missouri - Mental Health Disorders
Missouri is one state that routinely ranks fairly low out of the 50 states for mental health. Depression and anxiety are two of the most commonly reported mental health disorders for residents, with a higher-than-average prevalence of mental illness. However, the Missouri Department of Mental Health is working to change that.
New York - Asthma
Asthma is chronic in New York, and with all the air pollution produced by vehicles and buildings, that’s not too surprising! New York City, in particular, has a high number of reported illnesses related to asthma and other lung conditions. Both children and adults in New York suffer from asthma.
West Virginia - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. West Virginia has one of the highest rates of COPD in the US due in part to the state’s high tobacco consumption. Approximately 25% of West Virginians smoke and the state is also known to have poor air quality.
Nebraska - Colon Disease
Colonl cancer occurs in the colon, and it can be life-threatening if not caught as soon as possible. Nebraska has a high rate of colon cancer but has dedicated itself to detecting and curing the disease as soon as possible through its Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program.
Iowa - Arthritis and Joint-Related Conditions
Joint-related conditions can make everyday life much more difficult, which is bad news for residents of Iowa. The Arthritis Foundation approximates that over 250,000 Iowa adults suffer from arthritis, which causes stiff, painful joints. The state has dedicated itself to lowering this number with extra support available for those with rheumatic diseases.
Ohio - Drug Use Disorder
Ohio has a huge problem with drug use and currently has the fifth-highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the US. More recently, the number of deaths related to drug overdoses in Ohio has decreased, but drugs are still a big issue. Ohio has dedicated over $100,000 to fighting this issue.
Tennessee - Type 2 Diabetes
Approximately 14% of adults in Tennessee have type 2 diabetes, making it the state’s most prevalent health condition. As a result, many people also suffer from conditions including stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease. Tennessee also has a relatively high rate of obesity, which is partly to blame for type 2 diabetes.
Georgia - Stroke and Hypertension
Currently, the fifth-leading cause of death in Georgia is stroke, with a high rate of hypertension increasing the likelihood of having a stroke. Georgia is actually located in the “stroke belt” of the US, where this health problem is most prevalent. Luckily, the state is working hard to prevent and treat strokes.
California - Air Pollution-Related Respiratory Issues
California consistently ranks as one of the worst states for air pollution in the US, so it’s no surprise that its most prominent health condition is related to respiratory issues. Residents affected by air pollution report conditions including bad asthma and troubled breathing, as well as an accelerated likelihood of developing lung cancer.
Indiana - Smoking-Related Illnesses
Indiana may not have the highest rate of smokers in the US, but its most common health condition is smoking-related illnesses. It has an above-average number of adults who smoke, with over 10,000 estimated to die from smoking-related illnesses annually. Indiana has implemented anti-smoking laws in an effort to combat this.
Wyoming - Self Harm and Mental Health Issues
Wyoming has had a worryingly high self harm rate for years. In the past two decades, it has continued to increase, likely in relation to a decline in state mental health. Many adults report issues with depression and anxiety, with more support resources needed across the state, due to Wyoming’s sheer breadth.
Texas - Obesity and Diabetes
Obesity is a problem in many states, and Texas is one of them. An estimated minimum of 34% of Texans are obese, and this is likely linked to the prevalence of diabetes in the state, which is higher than the national average. Texas is working to treat both conditions simultaneously to reduce them both.
Florida - High Cholesterol
High cholesterol has numerous health implications, so it’s best caught as soon as possible. It’s a recognized problem in Florida, with men and adults over 65 most at risk. Unchecked high cholesterol puts residents at higher risk of having a stroke, so it’s important that they recognize the signs.
Delaware - Cancer, Particularly in the Colon
Delaware currently ranks 15th out of the 50 states for cancer prevalence, with colon cancer being one of the most common. In fact, it’s currently the third-leading cancer-related cause of death for residents of Delaware. Luckily, the mortality rate of cancer in Delaware is decreasing, thanks to state intervention in this epidemic and better diets.
Maryland - Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of heart attack, which won’t be welcome news to residents of Maryland. Lots of adults in Maryland suffer from CAD, and almost as many have had at least one heart attack. Thankfully, Maryland has many CAD specialists working with residents to improve their diets and lifestyles.
Arkansas - Obesity and Mental Distress
Obesity and mental distress aren’t always related, but they’re both prominent health conditions in Arkansas. Just a few years ago, Arkansas had the third-highest obesity rate in the US, and it continues to rank highly. Mental distress is also a huge problem that affects one in every five Arkansas adults.
North Carolina - Hypertension and Stroke
Blood pressure issues cause a variety of health conditions, including hypertension and stroke. Over 30% of adults in North Carolina are diagnosed with hypertension, and the state average stroke rate is much higher than the national average. Older adults, in particular, are at risk of complications due to stroke and hypertension.
Utah - Depression and Mental Health Issues
Utah has a very high rate of mental health issues, including an above-average number of adults diagnosed with depression. One of the biggest problems is a lack of mental health providers and resources, which has resulted in a high state self harm rate. Utah is specifically targeting depression when solving its mental health crisis.
Illinois - Asthma
Asthma has been a prominent condition in Illinois for the past 20 years, and it remains one of the biggest health threats in the state. Many residents have been hospitalized due to asthma attacks and other difficulties breathing, prompting the implementation of the Illinois Asthma Program, which aims to better control asthma in the state.
Vermont - Substance Use Disorders
Vermont is another state with a worrying substance use problem, with high rates of alcohol, cannabis, and drug abuse. Drug overdoses have become a huge problem, with hundreds of fatalities reported in Vermont each year. The state seeks to rehabilitate those with SUD via its Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program.
North Dakota - Alcohol-Related Issues
North Dakota is known for its strong alcohol culture, but this has led to numerous alcohol-related issues that threaten public health. Binge drinking is especially prevalent, with over 20% reported to regularly have four or more drinks on one occasion. The North Dakota state government is working to combat this excessive drinking.
Alabama - Heart Disease and Obesity
Alabama is estimated to have the fifth-highest obesity rate in the country, which is probably why so many of its residents also suffer from heart disease. Currently, heart disease is Alabama’s leading cause of mortality, with other related diseases, such as coronary artery disease and stroke, also common.
South Carolina - Diabetes and Hypertension
Diabetes and hypertension are two of the most common health conditions in South Carolina. The majority of known cases are type 2 diabetes, with many more residents suffering from prediabetes. As for hypertension, one in three South Carolina adults is affected, which is likely linked to the high rate of diabetes.
Minnesota - Binge Drinking
Binge drinking has seen a worrying increase across multiple states in recent years, including Minnesota. Around 17% of Minnesota adults are reported to have a binge drinking problem, with a high number of alcohol-related deaths reported. The state government is now working to target and reduce its excessive alcohol culture.
Connecticut - High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is currently the most prominent health concern in Connecticut, and it doesn’t seem likely to reduce any time soon. It’s a particularly serious issue for adult residents and may be related to the state’s high rate of obesity. Connecticut state government is pushing healthier diets and eating habits as a solution.
New Jersey - Asthma and Air Pollution-Related Issues
New Jersey has some of the worst air pollution in the US, and that is a huge contributor to the state’s asthma crisis. Over 600,000 adults and 160,000 children in New Jersey have asthma, putting the state as one of the highest in the country and making other respiratory issues more prevalent.
Montana - Self Harm and Mental Health Disorders
Montana sadly has the highest current self harm rate in the entire country due, in part, to a lack of supportive outlets and resources for residents suffering from mental health disorders. However, as part of a 2025 initiative, the Montana state government is investing $300 million into its behavioral health care system.
Kansas - Obesity and Physical Inactivity
Kansas is another US state with an obesity problem. Around 35% of its residents are obese, and the main cause is a lack of physical activity. Many adults lead sedentary lifestyles, with no exercise outside of their jobs, and lots of children also lack the proper amount of physical activity.
Rhode Island - Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders are a huge health threat in Rhode Island, with one of the highest state overdose death rates in the country. Luckily, the state government is working hard to support those with substance use disorders and aid rehabilitation.
Maine - Depression and Mental Health Concerns
Maine is currently experiencing a state mental health crisis, with many residents struggling to get help and support. Depression is one of the most highly-reported mental health disorders, as is anxiety. Both children and adults have reported poor mental health in Maine, increasing the need for better counseling services.
Alaska - Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder denotes a very unhealthy relationship with alcohol, including excessive consumption and issues controlling drinking habits. It’s the current top health condition in Alaska, with a big binge drinking culture. Many Alaskan communities are actively working towards greater state control over alcohol, which could make a huge, positive difference.
Mississippi - Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Disease
Mississippi has one of the highest obesity rates in the entire US, with over 40% of adults estimated to be obese. This has had knock-on effects on other health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Heart disease is also a leading cause of death in Mississippi, s0 greater intervention is needed.
Hawaii - Coronary Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes
Heart health is currently facing huge problems in Hawaii, with coronary artery disease particularly prominent. Native Hawaiians are the most at risk of developing CAD, and they’re also more likely to have type 2 diabetes than other native groups in the state. Initiatives are in place to tackle both conditions.
Washington - Significant Mental Health Concerns
Though Washington has had public mental health resources for decades, the state continues to be plagued by significant well-being concerns. More than one in five adults is estimated to have a mental health disorder, and the current substance use crisis has only exacerbated this issue.
Massachusetts - Drug Use Disorder
Drug use is a massive problem in Massachusetts, with the state having one of the highest drug-related death rates in the country. The current drug overdose rate in Massachusetts is 30% above the US average. However, many residents are also seeking help for their drug use, which is a big step in the right direction.
Michigan - Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity
Michigan is yet another state with a high number of obese residents, and this has had a negative effect on cardiovascular health. With an approximated 32% of Michigan adults considered obese, it’s no wonder that cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of ill health in the state.
Virginia - Hypertension and Heart Disease
Virginia also has a difficult relationship with blood pressure due to the large number of residents suffering from hypertension. Around 35% of people have been diagnosed by a medical professional, with a further estimated 9% being told they have heart disease. Luckily, these issues can both be treated via diet and lifestyle choices.
Idaho - Depression and Mental Health Concerns
The current Idaho mental health crisis is mostly centered around depression. Over 20% of adults are thought to suffer from depression, with some also reporting feelings of anxiety. There are likely more residents who haven’t yet been diagnosed, and this should be taken into account when working to solve this serious problem.
South Dakota - Binge Drinking
South Dakota has developed a recent reputation for having one of the highest binge drinking rates in the entire US. Over 20% of adults in the state are thought to binge drink regularly, with many consuming up to ten drinks every week! This is a cultural problem that has become a health nightmare.
Louisiana - Diabetes and Obesity
Louisiana may not have the highest diabetes rate in the country, but it is still a very real health concern. Around 13% of residents are diagnosed, though there could be untold others who haven’t sought medical attention yet. This issue is further worsened by the fact that approximately 40% of the state population is obese.
New Hampshire - Substance Use Disorders
The New Hampshire state government is clamping down on substance use, and for good reason. Not only does the state have one of the highest alcohol consumption rates in the US, but many residents aged twelve and over have been reported to use illicit drugs. Hopefully, this culture will change for the better.
Oregon - Depression and Mental Health Concerns
Oregon is yet another state that, sadly, has serious mental health concerns. The rate of residents with diagnosed depression exceeds the national average, and many also report suffering from anxiety, too. Oregon is also currently ranked as one of the worst states for youth mental health.
Oklahoma - Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases
Over 30% of the Oklahoma population is considered obese, making it one of the most obese states in the US. Cardiovascular diseases have also become a prominent, related health concern, with older residents in particular more likely to die from poor heart health. Thankfully, the state is working to change that.
Colorado - Substance Use Disorders
Substance distribution and use has grown in Colorado, causing more people to develop substance use disorders and also increasing the risk of overdose deaths. However, Colorado is aware of its substance use crisis and is working to rehabilitate residents and expand support networks, so that rate should hopefully see a very welcome decline soon.
