America's Health

In a year marked by election-related stress, global tensions, and economic uncertainty, there's a surprisingly positive trend: Americans are becoming healthier in several key areas.

Advancements in therapies and a greater focus on preventive care are contributing to this shift, alongside changing attitudes towards alcohol and drugs, particularly among Gen Z. Notably, the obesity rate has stabilized for the first time in a decade, coinciding with the growing popularity of weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic.

However, it’s important to note that Americans still have shorter life expectancies and face more health issues compared to those in other high-income countries. The chances of recovering from health crises are especially grim for low-income individuals and racial or ethnic minorities.

Part of the shorter life expectancy in the U.S. can be attributed to uneven access to healthcare. Unlike many other wealthy nations, the U.S. does not have a universal healthcare system, leaving over 100 million Americans without a regular source of primary care. A recent study by Forbes Advisor found that only 55 percent of U.S. adults can obtain quality healthcare when needed. This analysis evaluated healthcare accessibility across all 50 states using 14 metrics, including the availability of healthcare providers, insurance coverage, and hospital bed capacity. States such as Utah, Nevada, and Texas are among the least accessible, largely due to high costs and a shortage of healthcare providers. To tackle these disparities, experts recommend implementing digital solutions like telehealth and improving insurance coverage to increase access to vital healthcare services.

Thanks to advancements in technology, cancer treatments are improving, leading to better survival odds.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined has risen from 49% for diagnoses made in the mid-1970s to 69% for those diagnosed between 2013 and 2019. Targeted therapies have contributed to significant progress, particularly for blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic cancers, as well as melanoma.

However, the progress made may be undermined by delays in diagnosis and treatment caused by the pandemic, along with disruptions in employment and insurance. Compounding this concern is a steady increase in cancer diagnoses among Gen X and millennials, who are now more likely than previous generations to develop conditions such as breast, liver, and pancreatic cancers.

In terms of obesity, an alarming four in ten Americans are classified as obese; however, the obesity rate has stabilized. A recent survey by the Commonwealth Fund found that the U.S. ranked lowest in health outcomes among ten developed countries.

The report highlighted the fragmented insurance system and high cost-sharing requirements, which prevent many individuals from accessing medical care when needed. To improve the troubling performance of the U.S. healthcare system, the Commonwealth Fund emphasized the need for significant interventions from both government and the private sector. Recommendations included extending coverage to the uninsured and reducing administrative barriers.