Highlighted Facts from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey:

• Nearly one in five Louisiana residents reported their health was fair or poor and the rate of uninsured Louisiana residents was higher than the national average. Louisiana ranked  5th among the U.S.  states, territories, and Washington D.C. for percentage of adults aged 18-64 without health care coverage.
  
  
• The rate of obesity is steadily increasing for Louisiana residents. In 2007, one third of adult population within the state reported being obese. Louisiana ranks 4th highest among the U.S. states, territories, and Washington D.C. for prevalence of obesity.
  
  
• The majority of Louisiana residents are not engaging in the recommended level of physical activity. In 2007, 61% of the adult population reported inadequate physical activity. Louisiana ranked 2nd among U.S. States, territories, and Washington D.C. for percentage of adults who do not meet the recommended level of weekly physical activity.
  
  
• The majority of state residents are not consuming the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. The proportion of Louisiana residents that reported inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption was higher than the national average in 2007.
  
  
• Smoking rates have decreased since 2003, but the rate continues to be higher than the national average.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Surveillance Branch: Risk Factor Surveillance System
• Louisiana State University Public Policy and Research Lab