How "Healthy" is America?

Published by Claudia Giunta.

Processed foods, fad diets, frozen meals, and energy drinks are all popular ways Americans get their energy throughout the day. The hustle culture prompts people to grab a (typically) unhealthy food choice, subconsciously increasing their risk of being deficient in vitamin levels and developing heart disease. Many Americans struggle to prioritize their sleep schedules, nutrient levels, work/life balance, and overall health. We often hear about friends traveling to Italy and living off bread, cheese, pasta, and wine for two weeks and ending up losing weight. Why is this? 

America is the 10th richest country in the world. With our access to healthy foods, gyms, and outdoor activities that double as hobbies and exercise, you’d think the United States would also be one of the healthiest countries. American citizens also spend a significant amount on healthcare each year. However, despite all these factors, America is only rated #35 out of 169 countries for overall citizen health according to the Bloomberg Index. Let’s explore how Americans’ health compares to the rest of the world and how Nova Vita can help you drastically improve yours.

Nova Vita Solutions

Nova Vita can help you assess your whole-body health to determine if you are at risk of any health concerns. Our blood lab panels will detect low nutrient levels and measure a complete blood cell count, metabolic panel, and lipid panel, all of which are essential to heart health. Our infusions and boosters can replenish low-level nutrients and also have about a 100% absorption rate compared to oral supplements. If you are concerned about your weight, our personalized medical weight loss programs are tailored to each individual and can help lower your risk of diabetes and other forms of heart disease. Contact us today for any questions or to schedule an appointment. 

Why is the U.S. Ranked the 35th Healthiest Country?

Compared to the top-ranked, healthiest countries, (Spain, Italy, Iceland, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, and Austria), Americans spend far more on health than any other country. However, the life expectancy of Americans is shorter than in other countries, which spend far less on healthcare. The Bloomberg Index decides each country’s rankings on several critical social and economic qualities. Some of these rankings include considering the following:

• Universal healthcare
• Diets with fresh ingredients and fewer processed foods full of preservatives
• Lower levels of economic inequality
• Strict regulations that limit the use of opioid prescriptions
• Effective gun control laws
• Fewer road accidents 

Health Expenditure in the United States

 The United States has one of the highest healthcare costs in the world. In 2022, US healthcare spending reached $4.5 trillion and averaged $13, 493 per person. Additionally, the country spent approximately 17.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare. Comparatively, the second-highest healthcare spending country is Switzerland, spending only 12.3% of its GDP on healthcare. Australia and New Zealand spend nearly half as much as the U.S., averaging around 9% of their GDP on healthcare. 

According to Our World in Data, the United States has remained the obvious outlier in healthcare spending since the 1980s. The chart below showcases US health spending per capita is up to four times higher than other countries. If we’re spending so much on healthcare, why is our life expectancy significantly lower?

Life Expectancy in the United States

The United States has one of the lowest life expectancies of approximately 79 years. Overall, the U.S. ranks 26th among OECD countries with Japan leading the world in life expectancy at 84 years. Australia, Canada, Chile, and Iceland also have longer life expectancies than the U.S. While this data was recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic, mortality and premature death rates in the U.S. have increased more significantly compared to other countries. This may be due to how the U.S. excels in preventative measures, with high rankings in breast cancer screenings and flu vaccinations, as well as the country’s utilization of expensive medical technologies compared to other nations. However, the CDC reports that the American life expectancy has recently decreased to 77 years. 

Why is America Not as Healthy As Other Countries?

People in the United States experience far worse health outcomes overall than any other high-income nation. Here are some quick statistics about the health of Americans: 

• The US has the lowest life expectancy at birth, the highest death rates for avoidable/treatable conditions, and the highest maternal and infant mortality.
• The U.S. has among the highest suicide rates.
• The U.S. has the highest rate of people with multiple chronic conditions and an obesity rate nearly twice the OECD average.
• Healthcare spending (personal and as a share of GDP) is higher in the U.S. than in other high-income countries.
• The U.S. is the only country without universal healthcare.
• Americans see physicians less often than people in other countries. 
• The U.S. has the highest rate of adolescent pregnancy and is more likely to acquire sexually transmitted diseases.
• More American lives are lost every year due to alcohol and other drugs.
• Approximately 93% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, 52% for magnesium, and 44% for calcium. 

The following are other major contributing factors to America’s 35th ranking: 

Obesity 

Two out of three Americans are overweight and one out of three Americans is considered obese. Obesity is a leading cause of death in rich countries, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. As more and more people switch from a traditional healthy diet to overeating with Western diets, obesity has become a pandemic in America more than in other countries. In countries, such as Spain, people typically buy organic, fresh, and heart-friendly meals and eat mainly a Mediterranean diet. You’ll find portions at American restaurants to be two to three times the size a healthy home-cooked meal would be. To improve population health, the U.S. would have to make progress against obesity. 

Unhealthy Food Additives

Why can you eat a whole pizza in Europe without feeling constipated, bloated, and uncomfortable, but in the U.S. that is seemingly impossible? Each country has its government agency that decides the health and safety of food additives. In the U.S., most food additives are considered safe unless proven otherwise. Other countries may test new additives before letting them hit the market. The following are examples of additives banned in Europe but still used in the United States:

• Titanium Dioxide: used for coloring and is found in Skittles, Starburst, baked goods, soups, broths, sauces, and sandwich spreads. 

• Potassium Bromate: used in white flour, and bread to increase the volume of the bread and give it a fine crumb structure.

• Azodicarbonamide: found in bread and packaged baked goods.

• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT): used as preservatives in foods that contain oils or fats. 

• Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH): found in dairy products.

• Color Dyes (Yellow No. 5, No. 6, Red No. 40): Some evidence shows that these dyes cause hyperactivity and behavioral changes in children.

If you are trying to avoid certain food additives, look for these banned ingredients on nutrition labels. 

Inaccessible Healthcare 

People in the United States see doctors less often than those in other countries. This could be related to the U.S. having fewer practicing physicians per capita and no universal health coverage. Affordability remains the top reason why some Americans refrain from signing up for health coverage, and high out-of-pocket costs delay preventative quality care. While the U.S. has expanded healthcare coverage in recent years, a significant portion of its population remains uninsured. This explains part of the difference in life expectancy. Not having access to quality healthcare can increase the risk of unknowingly developing diseases, cancers, nutrient deficiencies, and more.

The Bottom Line

While healthcare expenditure in the United States is exponentially higher than in other comparable countries, the U.S. remains ranked as one of the least healthy nations. Additionally, despite being one of the most financially successful countries, it has one of the lowest life expectancies. Nova Vita Wellness Centers aim to provide a range of services to establish long-term holistic health, no matter your health wants, needs, or budget. Take control of your health at Nova Vita today!