Brisbane news live: Queensland ranked ‘unhealthiest’ state

While events such as State of Origin bringing out Queenslanders’ love of winning, our state has won a much less enviable prize: the “unhealthiest” state or territory, according to a new report.

Comparison website iSelect has released its Health Risk Report, compiling data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2022 National Health Survey, which reveals Victoria has the highest overall health score for all the states and territories, with the ACT and NSW the second- and third-healthiest.

Queensland’s last, or eighth, placing wasn’t complemented by the scoring on capital city regions either, with Greater Brisbane recording the second-unhealthiest behind only Greater Perth.

The report examined the lifestyle health factors of drinking, smoking, exercise, fruit and vegetable intake, as well as the prevalence of long-term health conditions by region.

“Despite plenty of fresh air and sunshine around, Queenslanders are at the highest health risk due to some unhealthy habits,” the report says.

“For one, Queensland has the highest percentage of daily smokers. The state also has the lowest percentage of people meeting their recommended vegetable intake.

“Additionally, Queensland ranks in the top three states for drinking more alcohol than advised.”