The US placed last among high-income Western countries in reducing chronic disease death risks. While other countries saw a notable decrease in deaths due to chronic diseases between 2010 and 2019, the number actually increased for Americans between the ages of 20 to 45. Researchers called this statistic a "rare phenomenon in high-income Western countries." Germany ranked closely with the US indicating similar challenges in addressing chronic disease deaths. Denmark topped the list with the largest decline in chronic disease deaths among the countries studied, demonstrating the most successful approach to reducing these preventable deaths. The research highlights a concerning trend for American public health, as chronic diseases typically become more manageable and preventable as countries develop better healthcare systems and preventive care programs.
The US is the only industrialized nation in the West without universal healthcare and the results are apparent. Millions of Americans lack consistent primary care, delaying diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions. Without a physician close to home, routine screenings often fall through the cracks. Income inequality, food insecurity, and limited access to healthy lifestyles all disproportionately affect younger and working-age adults. While cancer and heart disease deaths declined, increases in dementia, alcohol use disorders, and mental health-related conditions offset gains. Rising rates of obesity, poor diets, and sedentary behavior have made chronic diseases harder to control, particularly among younger people. Meanwhile next year Americans will face steep increases in their private health insurance premiums and others will lose affordable healthcare thanks to the GOP "BBB."
