Healthy Habits - States with the Healthiest Diets

 In recent decades, the health of the average American has steadily declined: obesity rates have tripled since the 60s, while diabetes has nearly quadrupled since the 80s. Central to the call to "Make America Healthy Again" is improving dietary habits, which could reverse decades of poor health outcomes.

A new analysis from Trace One identifies the states with the healthiest diets, utilizing a composite Healthy Diet Index weighing 10 key health metrics for residents in each state.

Key Takeaways, With Data for Minnesota

• A hefty national expense: According to the CDC, obesity alone costs the U.S. healthcare system nearly $173 billion a year. Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke cost an estimated $835 billion in medical costs and lost productivity.
• Paying more, living less: Despite spending $12,555 per capita annually on healthcare—more than any other country—the U.S. ranks just 34th in life expectancy worldwide.
• Of the 10 states with the least healthy diets, nine are in the South: These areas often have high rates of food insecurity, leading many families to turn to cheaper, calorie-dense options due to a lack of access to nutritious (and affordable) food.
• States with less food insecurity fare better: In general, states in the West—particularly the Mountain West—and the Northeast tend to report healthier diets, lower rates of diet-related conditions, and below-average food insecurity rates.
• Minnesota ranks 4th in the U.S.: When considering eating habits, food insecurity rates, alcohol consumption, and the prevalence of diet-related health conditions, Minnesota residents have the 4th healthiest diets in the nation.

The full report includes Healthy Diet Index scores and 10 key health metrics for all 50 states.

Information courtesy Trace One: https://www.traceone.com/resources/plm-compliance-blog/states-with-the-healthiest-diets