# Assessing the Health of the Average American Adult: A Closer Look
Written on
Chapter 1: The Shift in Healthcare Paradigms
The conversation around healthcare is evolving. While personalized medicine garners much attention due to advancements in technology and data analysis, another vital transition is gaining momentum—preventative medicine. Although personal treatment options are critical, the focus on preventing health issues before they arise is equally essential.
Many chronic illnesses, often labeled as lifestyle diseases, can be avoided with the right preventative strategies. The magnitude of this preventative approach's effectiveness is contingent upon the general health of the population. If most individuals are in good health, the impact of preventative measures may be limited. However, if there is significant room for improvement, even small interventions can yield substantial benefits. Initiatives at a community level, like Japan’s Lifelong Health Support Top 10 or the American Heart Association’s Simple 8, serve as examples of effective public health nudges. On a more personal scale, these preventative strategies mesh well with the concept of personalized medicine. The future of healthcare lies in a tailored approach that emphasizes prevention.
To better understand the potential effects of preventative healthcare, we must establish a baseline of the population’s health.
Section 1.1: Analyzing Recent Data
Recent findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey covering 55,081 U.S. adults from 1999 to 2018 provide critical insights. It’s important to note that this data predates the pandemic.
The researchers evaluated cardiometabolic health based on five key metrics: body fat percentage, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and the absence of previous cardiovascular events. Although these measures don't encompass every facet of health, they serve as quick indicators to differentiate between those who are generally healthy and those who may be at serious risk.
What constitutes an optimal score? A Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 25 and waist measurements of less than 88 cm for women or 102 cm for men. Additionally, fasting plasma glucose should be less than 100 mg/dL, and HbA1c should be under 5.7% without diabetes medication. Total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio should be below 3.5:1 without medication. Blood pressure should ideally be under 120/80, and there should be no history of cardiovascular events.
How many adults in the U.S. meet these criteria? Take a moment to guess...
…
…
…
The answer is disheartening: fewer than 7%.
The overall takeaway is stark. From 1999-2000 to 2017-2018, the cardiometabolic health of U.S. adults has been notably poor and on a downward trend, with only 6.8% achieving optimal health metrics. The average score was a mere 2.5 in 1999, dropping to 2.2 by 2018—a seemingly small change but significant when considering a sample of over 55,000 individuals.
Section 1.2: Demographic Disparities
When we dissect the data further, we see that optimal cardiometabolic health is less prevalent among older adults, men, individuals with lower education levels, those with lower incomes, and specific racial groups, such as Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Black adults. Among Mexican American adults, only 3.2% reached optimal scores in 2018.
Examining each of the five health indicators reveals that while the history of cardiovascular events has remained relatively stable over the years, both blood pressure and lipid levels have deteriorated slightly. The most significant declines were observed in optimal body fat percentage and blood glucose control.
Given that this data is cross-sectional and population-based, it’s crucial to refrain from assigning blame without definitive causal evidence. However, the authors of the study stress that these findings highlight the urgent need for clinical, public health, and policy interventions aimed at enhancing cardiometabolic health and promoting health equity across the United States.
Be part of the 7%.
Thanks for reading. If you're interested in exploring broader concepts in science, philosophy, technology, and psychology, consider subscribing to my newsletter, Thinking Ahead. Your interest is greatly appreciated.
Chapter 2: Further Insights into American Health
In the video titled "We Tried the AVERAGE AMERICAN DIET, Here's What Happened," the creators delve into the dietary habits of the average American and the consequences that arise from those choices.
The documentary "Why America Is So Unhealthy (And How To Fix It)" explores systemic issues contributing to the poor health of Americans and suggests actionable steps for improvement.