From riches to rags - the US health story

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue. The United States of America has gone from health to sickness in the space of 25 years, according to new analysis of US health data. However, public health researchers say it doesn't have to be doom and gloom for the richest country in the world. Tall and healthy The data, analysed by Durham University academics in the UK, show that Americans are expected to live shorter lives on average than their counterparts in other wealthy countries and the US fares worse in a number of key health outcomes such as infant mortality rates, obesity and diet, and teenage pregnancies. But it is only since the 1980s that the US started slipping down the health league tables after being the healthiest and tallest of the rich democracies for many years.