Could where you live make you more likely to die a premature death? A new study says so, and Marion County is ranked among the least healthy in Central Florida.

The problems in Marion County start at an early age, according to county health experts. The county's vital statistics department records birth and death rates, but a new study says compared to state and national averages, too many people are dying young.

Statewide, just under 7 percent of people die prematurely, in Marion County that number is closer to 9 percent, ranking it 48th out of the Florida's 67 counties in the category.

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The county health rankings released Wednesday were part of a nationwide study by the University of Wisconsin and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

"It gives us an idea of where our weaknesses are and where are strengths are, and it gives us an idea of where we need to put our resources to really focus our attention to improve the health of the community as a whole," said Dr. Mike Jordan, executive director of the Marion County Children's Alliance.

The study not only looked at how healthy people are and when they die, but also health factors, including socioeconomic, environmental and access to care.

Jordan said the area he was most concerned about Marion County far outpacing state averages was childhood obesity, noting "33 percent of kids entering first grade are already overweight."

"It's hard to think that without some sort of intervention, they will ever get back to a normal weight," Jordan continued. "Therefore, as they get older, they are just leading themselves into all the chronic issues that impact life expectancy and hospitalizations."

It's not a surprise, then, that Marion County trails state averages in adult obesity, physical inactivity and access to exercise opportunities.

The county recently received grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for intervention programs for overweight children, and a tax referendum will replace laid-off physical education teachers in Marion County schools.

Health officials hope those measures will improve Marion County's numbers in the future, with the community's help.