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State Health Compare

Average number of days in the previous 30 days when a person indicates their activities are limited due to mental or physical health difficulties

Measure Overview

Physical activity has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including: boosting metabolism, helping maintain healthy weight, regulating blood sugar and glucose levels, and much more. Conversely, limited physical activity is a serious risk factor for developing or deepening issues linked to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, among others, and to negative mental health outcomes. 

In understanding which individuals or populations may be at risk for limited activity, states can work to provide tailored solutions to those specific groups, such as improving access to health care for treatment of health difficulties, providing communities with activity-promoting opportunities like parks or sports programs, and more. 

Activities Limited Due to Health Difficulty by State: Breakdowns and Data Source


State Health Compare provides annual, state-level rates on the average number of days in the past 30 days that a person reports limited activity due to mental or physical health difficulties. Estimates are based on findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. 

Four breakdowns are available for this measure: Coverage Type, Education, Race/Ethnicity, and Sexual Orientation.

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