New Parish Health Rankings in Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, LA - The latest data on health shows Louisiana has a lot of work to do to improve health outcomes for residents. The numbers show residents in the Bayou State are more likely to die a premature death than residents in most other states. The stats show 11% of babies born in Louisiana are underweight. The U.S. average is 8% of babies.

This report from County Heath Rankings says 19% of Louisiana residents are in fair or poor health. The average in that category in the U.S. is 12%.

19% of Louisiana residents are smokers while the U.S. smoking rate is 16%.

Obesity in Louisiana Is a Big Problem

38% of residents in Louisiana are considered obese and that contributes to many poor health outcomes. The U.S. obesity rate is 32%.

The rate for sexually transmitted infections in Louisiana is nearly double the national numbers.

In Louisiana, there were 30 teen births per 1,000 females ages 15-19. This ranged from 16 to 60 births per females ages 15-19 across parishes in the state. The United States teen births per 1,000 residents is 19.

While Bossier Parish is among the healthiest parishes on our list, Caddo Parish is near the bottom of the list at 49. Claiborne is 50. DeSoto is 32. Natchitoches is 46 and Sabine Parish is 39. East Baton Rouge is 20 on the list with Jefferson Parish at 15 and Orleans at 40.