Photo Credit: Inside Creative House / Shutterstock
Over the past several decades, the health of the average American has steadily declined, marked by rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Since the 1960s, obesity rates have tripled, with over 40% of U.S. adults classified as obese, and diabetes has surged from less than 3% of the adult population in 1980 to more than 11% today.
These are not merely individual challenges but national ones, placing immense strain on the U.S. healthcare system. Chronic diseases—many of which are tied to poor diet—account for 90% of the nation’s $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare spending. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity alone costs the U.S. healthcare system nearly $173 billion a year, while diabetes, heart disease, and stroke costs an estimated $835 billion in medical costs and lost productivity.
The consequences of these health crises are glaring when compared to other wealthy nations. Despite spending more on healthcare per capita than any other country, the U.S. lags behind its peers in life expectancy. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the U.S. spends $12,555 per capita annually on healthcare—56% more than the next highest-spending country—but ranks just 34th in life expectancy.
Amidst these alarming statistics, a cultural shift is gaining momentum: the call to “Make America Healthy Again.” Central to this movement is a focus on improving dietary habits, as research increasingly highlights the profound impact of diet on overall health. From reducing sugar, processed foods, and alcohol intake to incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins, Americans are beginning to embrace changes that could reverse decades of poor health outcomes. However, diet and the associated health outcomes vary significantly by region, reflecting broader cultural, economic, and demographic differences across the country.