Studies of Mormon Health
Professor James E. Enstrom of UCLA conducted a study in 2001 of approximately 10,000 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He found that LDS members live an average of 8 to 11 years longer than other Americans.
A 2008 national survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that Utah has the lowest prevalence of smoking. Only 9% of Utahns classified themselves as current smokers compared to 21% nationwide.
An early survey by the CDC also found that Utah had the lowest rate of illegal drug use. 6% of residents had used illegal drugs in the past month, compared to 12% nationwide. Utah also has the lowest rate of alcohol use across all categories – casual drinkers, heavy dinkers and binge drinkers.
The CDC also ranked Utah #2 for physical excerise and among the least obese states.
The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2005) found that Utah also ranks the lowest in the nation in infant mortality.
According to the 2009 United Health Foundation’s 20th annual America’s Health report, Utah ranked second overall in a broad measure of health and overall physical well-being. The fact that Utah has the lowest rate of cancer deaths and 3rd lowest rate of cardiovacsular deaths in the nation were some of the notable findings.
While it’s clear from these and other statistics that Mormons are very healthy, what is it about their lifestyle and beliefs that result in such great health?
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