The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an August, 2008 report that lists the healthiest cities based on a variety of factors. Burlington, Vermont was reported as the healthiest city in the United States, while Huntington, West Virginia was reported as the least healthy.CNN: Vermont city is healthiest in U.S. (November 17, 2008)

The report is part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The bulk of the data was gathered by using self-reporting questionnaires. Each state gathers the data using a customized version of the CDC survey and then reports that data to the CDC. The most recent report was released in August, 2008, and was based on data collected in 2006. The report measures several health factors including rates of exercise, obesity and diabetes. The study looked at 150 metropolitan areas across the United States.The Herald Dispatch: Area labeled as nation's 'unhealthiest' (November 16, 2008)