How “Healthy” is America?

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 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!