> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# America Lags Behind Other Nations in Health
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/america_lags_behind_other_nations_in_health_1122130613/
- Published: 2013-11-22T19:12:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T14:03:37.000Z
- Description: An OECD survey of its 34 members puts US life expectancy at 78.7 years against an 80.1-year average, with 25 nations ahead. The US is the most obese at 36.5 percent and spends 17.7 percent of GDP on health care. The authors blame lifestyle, a fragmented system and uninsurance.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Healthcare, Health News, #vivvo-import

America’s health compares poorly with that of other developed nations, according to an annual survey conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) of its 34 member nations. The U.S. life expectancy is 78.7 years, below the OECD average of 80.1 years. Twenty-five nations fare better, with Switzerland on top at 82.8 years. The United States is by far the most obese nation at 36.5 percent of the population, with some of the highest rates of infant mortality, dementia, diabetes, and death from heart disease. The United States also spends the most on total health care, compared with other nations, 17.7 percent of its GDP (almost 50 percent more than the next highest nation). The authors attribute the poor outcomes to poor lifestyle (including dietary habits), a fragmented health care system, and a high uninsured population.

OECD (2013), Health at a Glance 2013: OECD Indicators, OECD Publishing. Accessed November 22, 2013\. Available at: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/health\_glance-2013-en](http://support.pcrm.org/site/R?i=VG4r19MgbrqVrMohPqn9Uw&ref=foodconsumer.org).