Is living in the US conducive to your health?

Abstract

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak (Covid-19) of 2020, the United States was ranked first for its capacity to face infectious disease outbreaks. Twelve months later reveals a different story. The US, with less than 5% of the global population, has more than 20% of the world's Covid-19 deaths. In response, some may wonder: “Is living in the US conducive to your health?” I attempt to answer this question through an examination of several US health markers (health care costs, life expectancy, suicide rates, obesity rates, chronic disease burden) prior to the pandemic, in relation to those of 10 other high-income nations. In addition, I contrast the US Covid-19 performance with that of other nations who have managed the pandemic with a minimum of life loss and disruption. I conclude with the conclusions of health experts, who say the US is beset by a health crisis, due to decades of social inequalities. Although social change could remedy the situation, at present it lacks popular support.