MINNETONKA, Minn. (November 18, 2009)-Just in time for the holidays, when Americans are gearing up for big meals, sweets and treats, one nationally recognized health organization has released its list of fittest states.

Texas ranked at No. 39 on the list, published by Minnesota-based United Health Foundation.

The organization bills itself as the “only 20-year scorecard” for the nation’s health.

The annual ranking considers nearly two dozen indicators of health, such as obesity and smoking rates, how many children receive recommended vaccinations and the annual number of cancer deaths.

The study determines scores for each state by gathering data from a variety of government and nongovernmental databases and then calculating how much each state is better or worse than the national average for each measure.

Vermont topped the list while Mississippi ranked dead last.