It is largely the result of poor diet and physical inactivity and related to reduced quality of life and various health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and joint disorders, clinical depression and some cancer types.
In addition to fat and calories, the Western diet is loaded with cholesterol, salt, and sugar. If that weren't bad enough, it's critically short on dietary fiber and many nutrients -- as well as plant-based substances (phytochemicals) that help protect the heart and ward off cancer.
Alongside the discrepancy between the massive amount the U.S spends on healthcare and our average life expectancy, another issue is that the United States also suffers from the highest burden of chronic diseases and obesity, which are two times higher than the average of other OECD countries.
Americans consume more calories per person, have a higher rate of drug abuse, and are less safe on the road compared to their global peers. Social and physical environments such as income inequality and discouraging physical activity are also contributors.
88% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy, says Utah scientist. Here's what to do about it | KSL.com.
Nearly 65 per cent of Australian adults and 25 per cent of children are overweight or obese, and less than 7 per cent consume a healthy diet.
1. The Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is the unhealthiest country in the world, with the nation's citizens emerging as some of the heaviest drinkers.
Italy is the world's healthiest country, according to the CEOWORLD magazine ranking that uses data from the United Nations Population Division, the World Bank, the Lancet study, and the World Health Organisation, with Singapore coming at a close second.
Males born in San Marino or Monaco had the highest life expectancy in the world as of 2022. San Marino also had the highest life expectancy for females with on average 89 years. In Japan the life expectancy was 88 years for females and 82 years for males.
Males born in the Lesotho have the lowest life expectancy of the world in 2022. Similarly low is the life expectancy for females born in this country. The average woman lives only 56 years. The lowest life expectancy for women in the world in 2022 was for girls born in Nigeria, with only 54 years.
The No. 1 health condition in the U.S. is heart disease. It is one of the leading causes of death, comprising more than a quarter of all deaths annually. It is estimated that someone has a heart attack in the U.S. every 43 seconds.
Why is life expectancy falling in the US? COVID-19, drug overdoses, and accidental injury accounted for about two-thirds of the decline in life expectancy, according to the 2022 report. Other reasons included heart and liver disease and suicides.
"Our results underscore the fact that the nutritional quality of most meals, snacks, and drinks consumed in the U.S. remains poor, and with important differences by where the food is obtained," said Mozaffarian.
Some of the causes of food insecurity include: Poverty, unemployment, or low income. Lack of affordable housing. Chronic health conditions or lack of access to healthcare.
The most hated food in the US is Olives, being named the worst by 13 states. Anchovies are also unpopular, with 12 states saying it's the worst food. There are only 10 foods collectively despised by different states: olives, anchovies, eggplant, beets, turkey bacon, bologna, sushi, well-done steak, carrots and pickles.
The Ottoman Empire
It came to an end in 1923 when Turkey claimed independence from the empire's remnants. The Ottoman Empire is one of the ancient countries that no longer exist.
Japanese life expectancy
This low mortality is mainly attributable to a low rate of obesity, low consumption of red meat, and high consumption of fish and plant foods such as soybeans and tea. In Japan, the obesity rate is low (4.8% for men and 3.7% for women).
Mediterranean diet
As the renowned medical journal Lancet points out, eating habits play a key role when it comes to Italians and longevity. A large part of the population can easily bring fresh and healthy food to the table, regardless of social status and income. This is what makes the difference.
Most Australians can expect to enjoy long and relatively healthy lives, however, some population groups have different experiences of health than others.
Top 10 Healthiest Countries in the World (2021 Global Health Security Index): United States — 75.9. Australia — 71.1. Finland — 70.9.
Nutrition Facts
High in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the Asian diet is also low in saturated and total fat. It is this combination that many health professionals believe protects against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. The Asian diet is relatively low in meat and dairy foods.
Obesity affects some groups more than others
Non-Hispanic Black adults (49.9%) had the highest age-adjusted prevalence of obesity, followed by Hispanic adults (45.6%), non-Hispanic White adults (41.4%) and non-Hispanic Asian adults (16.1%).