NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new study suggests that some of the nation's unhealthiest residents call the Volunteer State home, and data shows two Tennessee cities are where most are believed to reside.
According to Forbes Advisor, the rate of chronic disease tends to be higher in some cities due to unhealthy lifestyle habits and lack of physical activity. However, analysts claim that income level, education, and even commuting patterns can also affect why some cities are considered "healthier" than others.
To determine which cities have the healthiest and unhealthiest populations, Forbes Advisor compared the 46 most populated cities across eight key metrics.
The study ranked the following metrics to compile the list: number of heart disease and opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 residents, percentage of adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, binge drinking, obesity, smokers and those who report physical inactivity.
Both Memphis and Nashville were named on the list, ranking third and ninth respectively.
According to Forbes Advisor, Memphis ranked so highly since it had some of the highest rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
In fact, Memphis ranked high in several factors, which led it being ranked the third city with the one of the least healthy populations.
Data show Memphis stands out as the city with the:
- Second-highest percentage of adults with diabetes (15.9%)
- Second-highest percentage of adults with high blood pressure (41.1%)
- Second-highest percentage of adults who report having obesity (40.8%)
- Second-highest percentage of adults who report smoking (22.7%)
- Second-highest percentage of adults who report being physically inactive (32.9%)
- Sixth-highest number of heart disease deaths per 100,000 residents (314.7)
- Ninth-highest number of opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 residents (47.3)
Meanwhile, Nashville ranked as the ninth state with one of the unhealthiest populations. Although Music City has a fewer percentage of adults with heart disease, they outrank Memphis when it comes to opioid overdoses.
Deaths per 100,000 residents to heart disease and opioid overdoses in Nashville:
- Heart Disease: 222.50
- Opioid Overdoses: 52.10
Data show Nashville also has more reported binge drinkers than Memphis, but less smokers and those who report having obesity:
- Binge drinking: 17.4%
- Adults with diabetes: 10.6%
- Smokers: 18.1%
- Adult who report having obesity: 37%
- Adults with high blood pressure: 30.5%
Earlier this year, Tennessee was named among the unhealthiest states in the country due to having the highest rate of opioid and prescription pain reliever misuse in the country, according to the January report.
According to the study, Detroit, Michigan tops the list with the least healthy populations, while San Jose, California has the healthiest residents.
To see the entire study, click here.