How Many People Have AIDS?

1. 36.9 million people worldwide are living with AIDS/HIV.

While these numbers might seem huge, it is important to note that today, infection rates have dropped considerably. While this trend continues, it is important to ensure that individuals who are already infected have access to proper healthcare solutions.

Despite this aspect, according to research carried out by UNAIDS, it seems that approximately 37 million people are living with the disease at the moment, which is a worrying HIV statistics.

2. 1.8 million children worldwide are currently infected with HIV.

This grim statistic showcases the number of children who are currently infected with the virus. It is essential to mention that most of these children have been infected by their own mothers during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbirth.

As such, we can see one of the main secondary effects associated with the disease – the inability to give birth and breastfeed children without putting them at risk of infection.

That said, the first two statistics allow us to give a brief answer to the question of how common is HIV. Luckily, compared to other diseases, HIV is not too widespread, granted that safety precautions can be taken to reduce the chance of infection to practically 0.

Even so, there were times when HIV transmission rates reached worrying highs. Thus, it is essential to counter transmission cases for children, since they have virtually no defense against the disease before being born.

How Many People Have Died From AIDS?

3. Roughly 770,000 people died indirectly of AIDS in 2018.

This statistic is important because it showcases that AIDS does not represent a direct cause of death. It’s rather the deficient immune system that is the main culprit, granted that a weak immune system is no longer capable of fighting disease and infection.

According to UNAIDS, an error margin must be taken into account. Hence, the real numbers are situated between 570,000 and 1.1 million.

Global HIV Statistics

4. In 2018, roughly 23.3 million people worldwide used antiretroviral therapy, meant to battle the symptoms of AIDS.

This allows us to determine better the number of people who are currently seeking treatment for this condition. It is, however, important to note that a direct treatment for HIV/AIDS does not exist at the moment. The therapies prescribed by medics are mostly useful in strengthening the immune system, yet they do not heal AIDS. Luckily, reports indicate that AIDS deaths per year are decreasing, thanks to the use of antiretroviral therapy.

However, important medical advancements were made recently. Therefore, it is likely that in the next couple of years, better therapies will be available for patients. Current research also points towards a future anti-HIV vaccine, which would play an important role in helping eradicate the virus once and for all, according to AIDS statistics.

5. It is estimated that 36.2 million adults and 1.7 million children are currently infected with HIV across the world.

We notice that the virus is less spread amongst children, who usually catch it from their infected mothers in the womb and during breastfeeding. In the case of pregnant women, following the prescribed medical therapy is the best way to reduce how many people have AIDS. It is important to note that results depend from case to case, so no pregnant woman infected with AIDS should proceed with her pregnancy without taking medication.

In the case of infected adults, practicing safe sex and informing their partners about the medical condition is essential. In some countries, intentional HIV transmission via sexual intercourse is a punishable offense.

6. Surprisingly, only 79% of people living with HIV were aware of their condition in 2018, thus influencing overall HIV transmission statistics as well.

As such, this statistic showcases that AIDS disease does not normally show symptoms immediately. Additionally, it also proves that many people are generally unaware of their current health status, whereas others refuse to seek medical treatment due to poverty, lack of health clinics, or improper education.

Roughly 8.1 million people did not know they were infected with HIV in 2018, according to HIV/AIDS statistics.

7. Only 62% of people with HIV worldwide were seeking medical treatment.

Despite being aware of their medical condition, around 38% of people decide not to seek medical attention for their HIV infection. As mentioned above, this is typically due to expensive healthcare, lack of healthcare, or lack of education over what to do in case of a disease. Therefore, this can influence other statistics on HIV.

8. Worldwide, the rate of deaths caused by AIDS has been reduced by over 55% since 2004.

As we can see, the access to healthcare alongside treatment plans have both improved, reducing the number of people who die from an AIDS-related cause on a yearly basis. This statistic is much better than stats from 2004, when the world saw one of the biggest epidemics of HIV/AIDS. Therefore, the question of how common is HIV will no longer receive the epidemic status.

9. Since 2010, AIDS mortality rates have reduced by roughly 33%.

Similarly, this statistic also showcases an overall improvement in treatment plans, HIV/AIDS education, and access to healthcare. It is, however, important to note that these results are compared between 2018 and 2010, thus showcasing that there’s still enough room to improve. In any case, AIDS deaths per year will likely continue to reduce in the future.

10. The risk of HIV is highest for men with male partners and drug users.

When compared to the general population, HIV has higher transmission rates for male-male relationships, drug users, sex workers, and transgender people, in this particular order. This has been established in a variety of research efforts undertaken by HIV prevention organizations, according to AIDS demographics.

11. The leading AIDS-related cause of death worldwide is tuberculosis.

Reports indicate that TB accounts for around one in three deaths caused by AIDS. The virus makes it much easier to catch this disease but harder for the body to protect itself. Around 9% of people who were affected by tuberculosis in 2017 were also infected with HIV, thus increasing the overall HIV death rate.

12. It is estimated that 49% of people infected with both tuberculosis and AIDS do not know about both diseases.

As such, these individuals do not get appropriate medical attention for both diseases, thus leading to severe symptoms and decreasing the general chance of survival. Therefore, it is important to get tested for HIV often, especially if you are part of a risk group (unprotected sexual intercourse, drug injections, infected parents, and/or blood contact with someone else), according to AIDS statistics.

Additionally, screening for HIV is also necessary when affected by a disease that is commonly associated with the virus. This is a prevalent issue in many of the world’s developed and under-developed countries, which has the potential of negatively influencing transmission rates. Educational efforts in this regard are currently underway in several regions, according to research.

HIV Infection Rates

13. 1.7 million people were infected with HIV during 2018.

It seems like infection rates are still fairly high, but keep in mind the fact that these numbers represented the worldwide population during 2018. Hence, the numbers are also lower when compared to the past year, thus proving that measures taken so far are efficient.

14. Since the start of the HIV epidemic, it is estimated that 75 million people were infected in total.

The error margin, in this case, ranges from 58.3 million to 98.1 million. That said, the actual numbers may be lower or higher than the standard threshold decided upon by UNAIDS in its HIV AIDS statistics.

15. The peak of HIV infections was in 1997. Since then, new infections have been reduced by 40%.

This statistic proves that healthcare professionals, NGOs, and governments have indeed managed to reduce the overall number of infections with HIV. To put things into perspective, 2.9 million people were infected in 1997, and only 1.7 million were infected in 2018, as HIV infection rates point out.

As such, we can thank medical advancements and numerous educational efforts that were made to ensure people become more aware of the main methods by which AIDS is transmitted. Despite the positive changes, educational and medical efforts shouldn’t stop, since the overall goal is to reduce the number of HIV infections to 0. However, this challenge will likely be achieved many years from now.

HIV Transmission Rates

16. According to the CDC, 63 out of 10,000 people who use an infected needle will get HIV.

This allows us to debunk a common misconception regarding the use of infected needles. Many people seem to think that the chances of transmission in this scenario are 100%. Nevertheless, nobody should share a needle with a person living with HIV. The same goes for sharing needles in general, granted that numerous diseases are passed this way, according to the US HIV incidence rates.

17. For insertive sex with an infected person, the risk of transmission is situated at four out of 10,000. For receptive sex with an infected person, the risk increases to eight out of 10,000 exposures.

Additionally, it is also important to point out that transmission rates are highest for those who carry out anal sex with an infected person. In this case, the transmission rates are situated at 138 out of 10,000 exposures.

HIV Statistics by State In the US

18. In the United States, diagnoses are highest in Florida and California.

The table below is given as a reference to understand better where HIV diagnoses are most common in the United States. In regions like these, local governments and NGOs must take the necessary action to help reduce the number of infections. Yearly deaths are also more common in these regions, due to the higher HIV transmission rates.

AIDS Demographics

19. In the US, between 2010 and 2016, HIV infections were less common for people aged 13-24, yet higher for people aged 25-34.

Lower numbers were also reported for people aged between 45-54, thus showcasing that from a demographic standpoint, HIV infections are most common in the US for individuals between 25 and 34 years of age, according to statistics concerning HIV in the US.

The main argument explaining why transmission rates are highest for individuals in this age group is that people of this age most commonly engage in unprotected sexual intercourse, which remains the main transmission method at the moment. This is also the group where other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are most prevalent, as research suggests.

20. Between 2010 and 2016, HIV infection rates declined for African Americans and whites. Rates remained similar for Hispanics and Asians living in the US. 

Luckily, we see that HIV is becoming less widespread among African Americans, who were once facing the highest risk factor. As such, we can conclude that further efforts should be undertaken to ensure that information regarding HIV/AIDS prevention is better spread for Hispanics and Asians as well, thus reducing the highest AIDS rate for these individuals.

From a worldwide perspective, Asians and Hispanics hold some of the highest percentages for HIV infections and AIDS-related diseases. However, infection rates are decreasing for these demographics as well, which is definitely great news.

Between 2016 and 2019, these demographic-based HIV rates have remained roughly the same, although an insignificant decrease is present, according to several research studies and sources.

HIV Transmission Statistics

20. According to the CDC, 20 million cases of STDs are diagnosed on a yearly basis in the United States.

As such, we can easily conclude that HIV is one of the least common STDs transferred via sexual intercourse. It is important to note that it is, generally speaking, the worst of them all, which is why extra care needs to be exercised.

Apart from HIV, the 20 million diagnoses include cases of the papillomavirus, also known as HPV, alongside hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. HIV statistics by state are widely impacted by this statistic, as transmission rates for HIV are highest in states which also hold the largest number of new STD cases yearly.

21. According to stats by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, choosing whether to use a condom or not is based on several factors.

These include, but are not limited to, whether a woman wants to get pregnant, overall education on the matter of sexual intercourse, an individual’s experience in using contraceptive methods, and the relationship dynamic between the partners. Choosing not to wear a condom has an indirect impact on the HIV death rate.

22. People who are cohabiting, engaged, or married are considerably less likely to use a condom.

With this in mind, the status of a relationship is oftentimes a deciding factor to whether a couple will use a condom during sexual intercourse. As such, people who are only dating casually or are part of other arrangements will often use a condom, thus helping reduce the HIV rate.

23. A Centre for Disease Control and Prevention study on condom use trends showcases that most US citizens do not use a condom during sexual intercourse.

It is essential to remember that condoms do not only represent a method of birth control but also the main method in protecting against sexually-transmitted diseases like HIV. With this in mind, between 2011 and 2015, only 23.8% of women reported using a condom. During the same time frame, 33.7% of men reported using a condom, as per USA HIV statistics.

24. A CDC study shows that 29.6% of women between 15 and 44 had a problem with condom use during the last four weeks.

The research effort indicates that 6.5% of women stated that the condom fell off or broke during sexual intercourse. Another 25.8% of respondents have stated that the condom was used for only a part of the intercourse, according to CDC HIV statistics.

25. Only 20 US states have enacted laws requiring that sexual and HIV-related education must be accurate from a factual, technical, and medical perspective.

This statistic goes on to showcase that the sexual education program is not standardized in many of the US states, thus leading to the spreading of misinformation. We must also mention that in many US schools, no sexual education is taught whatsoever, thus leading to higher risks. HIV statistics by state have been cross-analyzed, and correlations have been found.

26. In a study surveying 1,000 Americans, only 12 respondents of 60 years and older reported receiving sexual education in school.

On the other hand, 33% of people aged 18-29 have reported receiving sex-ed in schools. Luckily, things are changing as more and more schools are introducing sexual education in their curriculums.

At this time, no federal law making sex-ed mandatory has been enacted. Schools and local governments are free to choose whether they allow sexual education to be taught. However, research showcases that sex-ed can drastically reduce transmission rates. From a long-term perspective, it can also decrease how many people die from AIDS.

27. Americans aged 18-29 are unaware of HIV’s main transmission methods.

To put things into perspective, a survey shows that almost 50% of respondents were unable to answer correctly whether HIV can be spread through saliva. Similarly, there are many misconceptions regarding contraception as well.

For instance, 34% of respondents believe that taking the morning-after pill causes infertility, whereas 25% believe that emergency contraception can cause an instant abortion if already pregnant. This misinformation is more than capable of increasing the number of people with HIV.

Conclusion

The above-discussed stats show that we still have a long way in eradicating HIV-related issues. However, the future seems promising. Based on everything that has been outlined so far, it seems like the gravity of the HIV virus and AIDS disease have reduced substantially over the last couple of years.

Similarly to transmission rates, death rates are also actively decreasing, according to global and HIV in the US stats. However, prevention efforts must go on to help achieve the goal of reducing HIV infections to zero. This might sound too ambitious, but the task is achievable.

It is important for healthcare professionals, scientists, governments, and NGOs to continue doing their best to ensure that a cure is found and that transmission rates drop to 0, as it has been outlined in our AIDS statistics. This can be achieved by providing risky individuals with better sexual health education, condoms, and other protection measures.

Theoretically, HIV infections cannot appear out of nowhere; they have to be transmitted from one individual to another. For that reason, if the number of infected people drops to zero, the disease will be finally eradicated once and for all, according to HIV statistics.

Sources:

1. Hiv.Gov
2. UNIAIDS
3. CDC
4. KFF
5. HIV.GOV
6. Health Day
7. CDC
8. HealthLine

During the last couple of years, people throughout the world have become more self-aware about the importance of health and wellness. To put things into perspective, health and wellness are generally described as a process that an individual follows to achieve top mental health and physical wellbeing.

Generally, achieving great mental and physical health entails diving deep into the health and wellness industry. With this in mind, studies have shown that individuals who wish to attain this state must focus on developing good eating habits, alongside an active lifestyle where fitness holds top priority.

Additionally, research has shown that a state of perpetual mental and fitness wellbeing also entails addressing any and all issues that a person may be dealing with. These include, but are not limited to, workplace, social, emotional, spiritual, and personality challenges.

As such, diving into the wellness industry is no easy feat, although it is generally achievable by anyone with a strong sense of will. To further highlight this aspect, the chances are that you’ve seen pictures of people (or personally know someone) who have completely changed their lifestyle by integrating fitness, healthier foods, and smart mental health practices into their daily lives.

This article will focus on briefly outlining and explaining some of the main wellness statistics and facts to help readers better understand the industry, alongside the main steps that have to be taken to ensure a healthier, longer, and happier lifespan.

Scientific studies have shown that following all of the tips outlined in this article will surely lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle, both from a physical and mental point of view. The stats outlined below cover several years, thus showcasing the evolution of the industry as well.

2019 Health and Wellness Industry Statistics (Editor’s Pick)

• The overall wellness market was valued at $4.2 trillion during 2017. It is believed that since then, the number has continued to increase, given that more and more people showcase an active interest in their overall health and wellness. This is a very positive trend that is sure to have great and lasting effects in the long run.
• 5.3% of global economic output is generated by the health and wellness industry.
• Only 56% of people believe they are in excellent or very good health.
• 80% of individuals believe the market is filled with conflicting data on what foods are healthy.
• Wellness tourism is gaining traction, as it stands for 17% of global tourism expenditures. More and more people choose to travel for wellness, given the numerous physical and mental benefits associated with exploring the world.

How Big Is the Health and Wellness Industry?

1. In 2017, the wellness market was valued at $4.2 trillion.

This incredibly large number showcases that billions of people throughout the world are taking an active approach towards improving their quality of life by ensuring they remain in top physical and mental health.

The $4.2 trillion value is determined by taking numerous factors into account, including but not limited to the value of worldwide gyms, the value of companies producing supplements and healthy food, alongside general spending by the public on purchasing health/wellness-related products and services.

With time, as we will see later on, the value of the wellness industry value is bound to increase even further according to expert predictions. Numerous investors have asked themselves whether another economic boom of this industry is likely to happen within the next few years.

There are no indications pointing towards an actual boom, but rather towards a steady increase in the long-run, which is even better, since booms are often characterized by unpredictable crashes of the affected industries.

Source: Global Wellness Institute

Health And Wellness Industry Growth

2. Between 2015 and 2017, the wellness market saw a 6.4% annual growth.

This statistic proves the point outlined earlier on. As such, the latest trends indicate a constant growth of the industry – from $3.7 trillion in 2015 to $4.2 trillion in 2017. The actual value today is difficult to determine because no additional studies have been carried out since then. However, we estimate that the value has surpassed the $5 trillion threshold.

Source: Global Wellness Institute

3. The health and wellness industry spending growth makes it a direct competitor to healthcare spending.

As such, it has been determined that wellness expenditures in 2017 have surpassed half of the healthcare-related spending during the same year. Data provided by the World Health Organization pinpoint general healthcare spending to $7.3 trillion in 2017.

Analysts also seem to believe that these numbers will continue to increase, given the population growth and the rising popularity of the trend.

Source: Global Wellness Institute

4. Worldwide, the health and wellness industry generates 5.3% of global economic output. 

There’s no denying its magnitude. People throughout the world are eager to spend a good portion of money in self-care investments like these. Analysis indicates that this trend will continue, as more and more people decide that health and wellness come first. This stat also explains the rising popularity of numerous wellness-related products and services.

Source: Global Wellness Institute

Wellness Trends And Facts

5. Most of the industry’s spending comes from the beauty and personal care, the clean eating trend, wearable fitness devices, and wellness tourism.

These are considered the key sectors of global wellness, and for a good reason too. Spending for each of these niches is more than $500 billion yearly, and significantly higher when compared to some of the other key sectors, according to the beauty industry statistics.

Source: Medium 

6. A report published by PwC has determined that 49% of US citizens own a wearable fitness device.

This research was carried out in 2018 by the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), concluding that wearable devices are here to stay, especially when used for their fitness-related functions.

At this time, fitness wearable devices offer users essential data concerning their heartbeat, stress levels, number of calories burned, steps taken, oxygenation levels, and more. Additionally, they also serve as personal fitness coaches, since they can encourage people to be more active, while also precisely tracking their physical activity and food intake.

Global wellness statistics showcase that out of the 49% of users, 45% own a fitness band. This proves that wearables are mostly purchased for their health and fitness tracking functionalities, rather than other purposes.

Source: PwC

7. The PwC report has determined that the wellness wearables market will reach $27 billion by 2022.

This massive growth is based on the main expectations held by consumers regarding their wearable devices. As such, the same study has determined that 70% of respondents expect their devices to help increase their lifespan, 63% expect their devices to help them keep healthy body weight, whereas 62% would like their devices to reduce the cost of insurance premiums, according to the wellness industry statistics.

Source: PwC

8. A PwC report determined that 12% of its survey respondents owned some form of smart clothing.

Smart clothing serves similar purposes when compared to fitness bands – increasing overall wellbeing. As such, relevant examples include, but are not limited to, clothes which control the flow of air and adapt to breathing (thus helping prevent overheating while exercising), and clothes which help the human body sleep better and heal faster.

This wellness market statistic showcases that while in its first stages, the smart clothing market is bound to see an increase in the near future, as companies come up with smarter and better clothes designed to improve our general wellbeing.

Source: PwC

9. Wearable devices may be soon used to send thermoelectric pulses that help cool, soothe, and heat your body. This will also be a contributing factor to the health and wellness industry growth in the future.

Since wearable fitness and wellness devices are the norm now, producers throughout the world are focusing on adding new features that can further improve their usability. As such, a PwC report has determined the main trends in wearable device features. Below, you will see the percentage of people who find the following scenarios useful:

• 85% of respondents would like wearable devices which offer safe-driver insurance based on driving habits, according to statistics on the wellness industry.
• 83% of respondents would like wearable devices which send thermoelectric pulses to help heat, soothe, and cool the body based on sensors that sense pain, stress, and body temperature.
• 82% of respondents would like wearable devices that are able to track the health, safety, and location of children.
• 66% of respondents would like wearable devices that can monitor mood and help select and play music based on the current mood of the user.

Source: PwC

10. A PwC research effort determined that 79% of US employers offer a wellness program.

As such, we can see that the wellness industry has become more relevant in the workplace as well, as employers have noticed that employees tend to stick around more and be more productive when working for companies that care about their general wellbeing.

Another aspect that employers are focusing on is flexible workplaces since studies have shown that flexibility also improves the wellness of employees. This statement is based on information compiled by a few of the world’s workplace global wellness statistics.

Source: PwC

11. Workplace disease management programs are losing popularity to wellness programs. 

While disease management programs are essential to any workplace, similar to health insurance, it seems like the focus is now centered on introducing workplace wellness programs, based on the response of both employers and employees to a PwC study.

Governments throughout the world should ensure that healthcare is not completely replaced with wellness in the eyes of employers, as dealing with a disease is generally more expensive and difficult when compared to improving the employees’ wellness.

Source: PwC

Global Wellness Statistics

12. Just like the entire industry, it seems like wellness tourism is also growing.

With this in mind, the same PwC research effort determined that at this time, the total value of the wellness tourism market is situated around $639 billion. An exponential increase is currently underway, granted that between 2015 and 2017, its value has grown at a rate of 6.5% per year, according to health and wellness industry data.

Source: PwC

13. Those who choose wellness tourism usually travel to the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa regions.

These destinations are chosen thanks to their friendly climate and plethora of things to do for those who would like to invest in their overall wellness and health. Asia remains the main destination for wellness tourists as it has been for the last couple of years, according to the wellness industry trends.

Source: PwC

14. Wellness tourism represents 17% of all worldwide tourism expenditures.

As such, it can be concluded that a very large number of tourists do not travel for sightseeing like most people but rather to get in shape both mentally and physically. Several studies have been conducted on this case, proving the benefits associated with living an active lifestyle fuelled by travel.

While wellness industry tourism costs may be high when traveling abroad, many people seem to forget that all of the world’s countries offer beautiful destinations and attractions.

Source: PwC

15. Predictions estimate that the worldwide spa market will reach the value of $154.6 billion by 2022.

As such, the wellness trend isn’t based solely on traveling, eating healthy food, and using smart devices. Spa represents a key component of the wellness and health market, as indicated by spa industry statistics. Reports also indicate that the revenue for spas was situated at $17.5 billion in the US during 2017.

Source: Statista

16. 28% of US-based gym members have reported using spa facilities regularly.

Trends indicate that spas are often used in the United States by gym membership holders. Of course, standalone spa centers are available outside the gym as well, where numerous people regularly attend sessions to improve their general wellbeing.

We hope that this stat also helps shed some light into how big is the health and wellness industry, since spa facilities represent an important percentage of the pie.

Source: Statista

17. 77% of respondents would work out more if their employer offered gym facilities.

This represents the main reason why numerous corporate offices have invested large amounts of capital into creating their very own gym facilities. Keeping employers healthy and fit is proven to have numerous advantages over their state of being, and of course, work productivity.

Source: Treadmill Reviews

18. 78% of Americans have changed their diet following a discussion with a healthcare professional.

This healthcare industry statistics helps showcase that individuals are most likely to listen to the advice given by their doctor, rather than being willing to take action on their own. As such, we can conclude that a large number of people do not care enough about their health and wellness, and only take action once they are at risk of disease or are feeling actual symptoms.

Source: Food Insights

19. Access and cost of food represent the two challenges in the way of healthier eating habits.

It is believed that many more people would eat fruits and vegetables if cost and access to healthy organic products wouldn’t be an issue. At this point, many choose to eat meat, since it is generally cheaper, more fulfilling, but also easier to find.

On the other hand, since fruits and vegetables are more perishable, interest is low, despite their numerous healthy nutrients and the well-known benefits associated with having a balanced diet, based on the latest wellness trends and facts.

This problem can be fixed by lowering the artificial price of vegetables on the world’s market. The issue here is that distributors purchase the bulk of vegetables from producers at very low costs, which are then put into stores at much higher prices.

Studies concerning the P2P distribution of vegetables have pointed out that smarter and more cost-effective solutions exist. We need to eliminate third-parties and introduce direct purchases by consumers from producers.

Source: Food Insights

20. Only 56% of consumers believe their health is excellent or very good.

We can conclude that the potential market value of the health and wellness industry is far from being reached. Since only 56% of respondents have good thoughts about their health, it is very likely that those who do not have this opinion are more than willing to invest and spend more on improving their wellness.

To truly improve your health and wellness, consistency is mandatory. Engaging in health and wellness-related practices for short timeframes is beneficial, yet it won’t provide any advantages in the long run. Like with many other things, discipline is key.

Health and wellness statistics also show that people should invest more effort into improving their overall health.

Source: Food Insights

21. Only 37% of American citizens have a BMI score that is normal or low.

On the other hand, 32% of people are overweight, whereas 28% are obese. Because of this statistic, we can easily determine that the food industry needs to be rebuilt in the US and other areas of the world. More focus should be placed on promoting alternatives to unhealthy food.

The first step in this direction would be to drop the massive price differences between unhealthy and healthy food. The second step is directly linked to education, as more people need to be aware of the importance associated with their eating and exercising habits.

Source: Food Insights

22. 80% of surveyed respondents believe that the market boasts a lot of conflicting information regarding what we should eat.

This statistic can definitely apply to the Global Wellness Economy as well since it is not exclusive to the US. With this in mind, businesses have a habit of spreading false information when it comes down to promoting their health and wellness products.

As such, a crackdown on these false information campaigns is required to ensure that people throughout the world are well educated on what foods are healthy and their actual benefits.

Source: Food Insights

Conclusion

Our wellness industry statistics serve the purpose of further educating readers while highlighting market opportunities. Based on everything that has been outlined so far, it is a delight to conclude that more and more people throughout the world are taking better care of their health and overall wellness.

Unfortunately, we are still a long way from achieving better overall health and wellness for all people. The main scope of the health and wellness industry should not be profit, but rather the creation of products and services that are scientifically proven to improve user health and wellbeing.

False advertising has taken this market by storm, thus creating problems for many individuals who spend large amounts of money on products and services that remain inconclusive.

Sources:

• Global Wellness Institute 

• Medium

• Statista

• Statista

• Treadmill Reviews

• Food Insights

Alongside the brain, the human heart represents the body’s most important organ. In this sense, reading about heart attack statistics can be both an educational and a slightly scary experience. Unfortunately, our heart is prone to a variety of conditions, which are all classed under the umbrella term of heart disease.

In general, heart disease can describe congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, rhythm conditions, and many other illnesses. Getting to know these issues might save your life. For this reason, we present to you here plenty of essential heart disease statistics.

Oftentimes, numerous symptoms are associated with cardiovascular diseases. These include, but are not limited to, chest pain, chest pressure, shortness of breath, weakness, light-headedness, fainting, slow heartbeats, racing heartbeats, swelling, and more.

Unfortunately, at the moment, heart disease represents one of the world’s leading causes of death. Thankfully, numerous forms of heart disease can be prevented, granted that people follow a healthy and active lifestyle.

The heart disease statistics and facts that are outlined as part of this article are meant to put things better into perspective, while helping people understand the severity of heart conditions, alongside what is currently being done to reduce the prevalence of the disease.

Keeping a close watch on cardiac health is essential to living a healthy life. After all, it is the leading cause of death worldwide. As such, this piece will focus on several aspects, including heart disease statistics worldwide, the link between heart disease and smoking, and the number of heart attacks on a yearly basis.

We hope that these stats will help highlight the main medical conditions that patients are dealing with, while also highlighting what’s being done in terms of prevention. Without further ado, it is time to start the article with some general stats on the number of yearly heart attacks.

How Many Heart Attacks Are There per Year?

1. Roughly 1.5 million heart attacks take place in the United States on a yearly basis.

At the moment, it is believed that heart disease represents the world’s number one cause of death. As you may already know, the end symptom of heart disease usually manifests itself in the form of a heart attack.

The fact that heart attacks can be random makes this disease scarier. However, research is currently underway to help determine the exact causes associated with heart attacks, in hopes of reducing this number.

Source: Million Hearts

How Many People Die from Heart Disease?

2. Worldwide, 17.9 million people die from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

According to the WHO, CVDs cause roughly 17.9 million deaths on a yearly basis across the world. Furthermore, it is believed that 31% of deaths are caused by this condition. Determining the exact number of heart attacks worldwide is very difficult due to the lack of available data.

Heart attack statistics estimate that the exact number is in the tens, if not hundreds of millions yearly.

Source: WHO

3. In the United States, 610,000 people die from heart disease every year. 

According to a report that has been published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it seems like one in four deaths is caused by CVDs in the US, as per heart disease statistics.

Source: CDC

4. Heart disease represents the no. 1 cause of death for both men and women.

However, it seems like the condition tends to affect men a bit more than women. This does not mean that women are safe. On the contrary, all genders must ensure they lead a healthy lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of developing a heart condition.

Source: CDC

Heart Disease Statistics Worldwide 

5. Worldwide, 47% of cardiac arrest deaths happen outside the hospital.

Because of this, treating a heart attack becomes a lot difficult. In the case of heart diseases, time is of the essence.

This statistic also showcases that numerous people who live with heart disease fail to notice and act on the early warning signs. This may also indicate an education problem, as patients are often unaware of the signs, as heart health statistics report.

Source: CDC

6. Only 27% of US residents are aware of all heart attack symptoms.

On the other hand, the survey conducted in 2005 showcases that the main warning sign (chest pain) is recognized as a warning sign for an impending heart attack by 92% of respondents.

In general, noticing any early warning sign should be enough to convince individuals suffering from heart disease to contact emergency services, according to heart disease statistics.

Source: CDC

7. 75% of cardiovascular disease-related deaths take place in low and middle-income countries. 

According to the WHO, it seems like heart disease-related deaths are more common in countries with low and middle incomes than countries with a better quality of life, alongside higher income.

This showcases that the general state of the national healthcare industry is a direct factor that contributes to the percentage of CVDs that affect the population, as per heart disease rates.

Source: WHO

8. 85% of all CVD deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes worldwide.

According to the WHO, it looks like heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of death for people suffering from heart disease. Other causes do exist, but their rates are much lower. This worrying stat indicates that the WHO and other organizations should do their best to educate people about healthy eating and living habits.

Source: WHO

Smoking And Heart Disease Statistics 

9. Every year, secondhand smoking causes 34,000 deaths because of coronary heart disease in the United States.

As such, it looks like secondhand smoking is a direct cause of coronary heart disease. Because of this, it is essential for secondhand smokers to avoid spending too much time in the presence of a smoker, granted that the effects are real and dangerous.

Source: CDC

10. Those who breathe secondhand smoke increase their chances of developing a CDV by 25-30%.

Leaving aside the deaths for a moment, it is important to mention that developing a cardiovascular condition is a lot more likely if you are a secondhand smoker. While the disease may not lead directly to death, it will surely show its symptoms during your lifetime.

The heart attack rate is also fairly high for secondhand smokers. Because of this, more educational efforts are required to ensure that secondhand smokers are aware of the health dangers they are exposing themselves to. Many people seem to think it is only daily secondhand smoke that damages health, yet even occasional exposure might cause negative effects.

Source: CDC

11. Stroke risks are increased by 20-30% for those who breathe secondhand smoke.

Similarly, stroke stats also indicate that having a stroke is a lot more common in case you are a secondhand smoker, as opposed to people who do not breathe in smoke at all. This statistic helps clarify that secondhand smoke is not only responsible for cardiovascular diseases, but also for a variety of other health issues, including but not limited to, stroke, heart failure, and heart attacks.

Source: CDC

Coronary Artery Disease Statistics 

12. It is believed that one in 13 Americans who are 18 and older suffer from coronary artery disease (CAD).

At the moment, CAD represents the number one form of heart disease, which seems to be spreading throughout the world. In fact, it represents the leading cause of death for US residents, regardless of race and ethnicity.

Unfortunately, nobody is safe, which is why we need more research and why it’s important to eat and exercise right.

Source: Continuing Education for Health Professionals

13. According to statistics concerning heart disease in America, CAD affects Hispanic Americans the most.

It is also important to mention that CAD affects Pacific Islanders, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, and American Indians the least. Currently, it is unknown why specific races and ethnicities are affected more than others, but further research would hopefully shed some light on this phenomenon.

Source: Continuing Education for Health Professionals

14. CAD kills over 370,000 people in the US on a yearly basis.

According to heart disease in the USA statistics, CAD represents the most common type of heart disease but also one of the most deadly ones. Dealing with CAD has proven to be quite difficult. However, research is being carried out to help determine the causes, alongside better treatment plans.

In the long run, this would hopefully lead to the eradication of this disease or at least significantly reduce its prevalence.

Source: CDC

American Heart Association Statistics

15. Every year, around 735,000 Americans suffer a heart attack, out of which 525,000 suffer their first, whereas 210,000 suffer their second or third attack.

This statistic helps prove that suffering a heart attack does not entail certain death. Surviving one is very likely, especially if you contact emergency services quickly. Living a normal life afterward is also likely. However, it might be best to reduce the risk factor by making positive and healthy lifestyle choices.

Source: CDC

Heart Disease by State 

16. Oklahoma has the highest death rate for heart disease.

Other states with high death rates include, but are not limited to, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Nevada, and Michigan. Local governments might want to concentrate their efforts on improving healthcare for patients suffering from heart disease.

Source: CDC

17. Minnesota has the lowest mortality rate for heart disease.

Other states with low death rates associated with CVDs include Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Alaska, as per heart disease in USA statistics. It is currently unknown why death rates are higher in certain states and lower in others.

Some may argue that this is related to access to healthcare and its overall quality. However, some causes for heart disease might be more prevalent in particular regions (more people smoke, higher pollution, lower rates of CVD-related education, etc.).

Source: CDC

Congestive Heart Failure Statistics 

18. 5.7 million adults living in the US suffer from congestive heart failure.

Although it tends to fluctuate in time, this is a huge number that showcases how bad things are at the moment. However, many of these people will lead better lives thanks to the latest medical developments.

In any case, we can assume that as a leading cause of heart attack deaths per year, this statistic is quite grim because it showcases the true prevalence of CDVs. As such, lowering this number should stand as one of the main concerns for the Federal Government.

At the time, a lot of research is actively being carried out to determine methods of preventing the appearance of congestive heart failure.

Source: CDC

19. One out of nine deaths in the US had heart failure as a cause.

This is yet another cardiovascular disease stat that proves heart failure is a leading cause of death for Americans. It is also essential to point out research conducted by the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. It found that roughly 50% of people who develop heart failure conditions tend to die after five years of their diagnosis.

Source: CDC

20. $30.7 billion is the yearly cost associated with heart failure in the US.

Last but not least, we have another US heart disease statistics to present. On a yearly basis, roughly $30.7 billion is invested in taking care of those suffering from heart failure, but also in research and development, which will hopefully reduce the prevalence of this disease.

It has been determined that education on living a healthy lifestyle may reduce the overall cost associated with heart failure.

Source: CDC

21. According to the CDC, the biggest risk factors for heart failure are high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary heart disease.

There are also several behaviors known to trigger the manifestation of heart failure, as highlighted by cardiovascular health statistics. These include smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, but also having a diet that is largely based on foods high in sodium, fat, and cholesterol.

Ensuring that you do not fall into these risk categories is a strong step towards protecting yourself from the manifestation of congestive heart failure.

Source: CDC

22. The main symptoms associated with congestive heart failure (according to the CDC and the American Heart Association statistics) include shortness of breath, trouble breathing (especially while lying down on your stomach, sides, or back), swelling of the feet, stomach, and legs, alongside a general feeling of fatigue.

It is essential for people throughout the world to be well-versed in terms of the early warning signs. After all, timely detection is crucial to ensuring that you keep your heart healthy.

Source: CDC

23. So how many Americans die from heart disease, more specifically, from CHF?

Well, the actual numbers vary, yet it is important to keep in mind that one out of nine deaths had congestive heart failure as a contributing factor. It is also estimated that 50% of people suffering from this condition die within five years from the original diagnosis. This is mostly due to the fact that in many cases, this condition is in an advanced stage.

Source: CDC

24. Heart failure statistics show that the main treatment plans include medication, a drastic reduction in the intake of sodium, alongside living a more active lifestyle.

Of course, actual treatment plans depend on patient to patient, and it’s best to let your doctor decide what suits you most. These treatment plans are, therefore, not applicable to everyone, whereas prevention measures are.

Source: CDC

25. CVDs, including congestive heart failure, are known to cause 3.9 million deaths per year in the European Union, according to cardiovascular disease stats.

It is also important to mention that 1.8 million of these deaths take place in the European Union, where the quality of life and healthcare are both above worldwide averages.

Source: EHN Heart

26. Luckily, reports indicate that the mortality rates associated with heart diseases are slowly decreasing throughout Europe.

Trends showcase that massive growth in the mortality rate associated with CVDs was reported until the 21st century. According to the stats of heart disease, it is slowly declining. However, it doesn’t mean that the problem is less important. After all, CVDs account for 45% of deaths in Europe.

Source: EHN Heart

27. In Europe, it has been reported that women smoke as much as men, despite the fact that the overall prevalence of smoking throughout Europe has reduced over the last few years.

Through this statistic, we get to learn more about the link between heart disease (especially congestive heart failure), and the overall smoking trend. As such, statistics of heart disease showcase that reduction in smoking rates may also reduce the prevalence of such medical conditions.

Source: EHN Heart

Conclusion

To make the world a better place, it is essential for healthcare professionals, investors, and governments to take an active stance against reducing the prevalence of the main causes of death, including CVDs and cancer, which hold the top two spots. We hope that the heart health statistics we listed in this article could help with this endeavor.

Cardiovascular diseases are preventable until a certain point, as having a healthy and active lifestyle contributes to a healthier heart. In all honesty, changing a poor lifestyle is not that hard. You should consult your doctor who will most certainly be able to recommend some good, healthy practices. According to heart disease statistics, your heart and overall health should improve long-term.

That said, educational efforts are also required to ensure that people are aware of the risks they expose themselves to when living unhealthy lifestyles. On the other hand, scientific research has concluded that genetics can also contribute to the appearance of CVDs. That said, there is no sure-fire way to prevent this disease apart from watching what you eat, your fitness activity, and your weight, according to current heart attack statistics.

Sources:

• Million Hearts
• CDC
• WHO
• CDC
• Continuing Education for Health Professionals
• CDC
• CDC
• EHN Heart

For years, seeking medical treatment in the US was a difficult, expensive endeavor. To improve the system and make health care more affordable, President Obama initiated the Affordable Care Act, also called the ACA, or Obamacare. The Obamacare statistics outlined in this article should help US residents learn more about their legal rights with health care and how to find affordable insurance policies.

Before anything else, it’s  important for readers to know that the act tries to complete three main goals. First and foremost, the ACA’s main challenge is to make health insurance affordable for more people. Our Affordable Care Act statistics indicate that the ACA offers subsidies, commonly referred to as premium tax credits. These lower the cost of health care services for people residing in households with an income situated at 100% to 400% below the US federal poverty level.

Second, the ACA is intended to further expand the Medicaid program, which then helps cover medical expenses for adults with an income 138% below the US federal poverty level. Lastly, the ACA supports the research and development of innovative medical care, thus attempting to lower the general costs of the US health care system.

Affordable Care Act Statistics 2019 (Editor’s Choice)

• In 2016, 9 in 10 Americans had health insurance, thanks to the Affordable Care Act—in fact, the numbers reached 91.5% of Americans by 2018.
• 39 million Obamacare and Medicare beneficiaries have access to a series of preventive medical services for free.
• A high percentage of uninsured individuals come from low-income families with at least one member working full time.
• 1 in 5 uninsured adults decided against seeking medical care due to the high costs.
• After the ACA was passed, health care prices rose at the slowest rate in 50 years.

The Number of People on Obamacare

1. 8.5 million people signed up for ACA insurance in 2019.

This statistic helps demonstrate that although highly popular, most of the US population would rather get insurance from an employer or obtain a private insurance plan, due to a variety of reasons. It’s also important to point out that the ACA’s insurance rates fell by roughly 10% when compared to 2018, as our statistics on Obamacare show. Over 23 million people are currently insured thanks to this program.

(Reuters)

2. In 2016, estimates show that 17.6 million people found insurance through the ACA.

As such, we’re witnessing a quick decline in the number of people leveraging Obamacare’s advantages. It’s important to mention that the law was designed to create a right to health insurance for people in households with lower incomes—thus, creating affordable health insurance for people living below the poverty line.

(Obama White House)

3. In 2017, 73.8 million people were enrolled in the ACA-based Medicaid insurance program.

Based on the affordable health care statistics, we can conclude that the ACA was and continues to be a great success in terms of enrollment numbers. Of course, any policy has its downfalls, and Obamacare is no exception. Constant monitoring of the market and patients’ needs is required to ensure that flexible and affordable health insurance policies are available for everyone.

(Statista)

4. Between 2010 and 2013, 2.3 million young US citizens received medical coverage.

Apart from providing Americans with lower insurance rates, our Obama health care statistics indicate that over 2.3 million young Americans gained coverage. The law specifies that young adults can remain covered via their parents’ insurance plans until the age of 26. As a result, the health insurance costs for many young adults have been minimized, as long as certain conditions were met. However, there are times when these conditions are difficult to fulfill.

(Obama White House)

ACA Statistics on the Uninsured

5. In 2017, insurance demographics indicated that people in the 19–25 age group were the most uninsured.

There’s an opportunity for insurers to further push and market their services to people aged 19 to 25. Luckily, the ACA includes a policy allowing young adults of this age to be covered via their parents’ medical insurance. Unfortunately, many people are parent-less, or have parents without insurance, thus making it difficult to afford a plan, according to the Obamacare facts and statistics.

(Statista)

6. 1 in 5 uninsured adults decided against seeking medical care due to the high cost.

Therefore, we can conclude that for many Americans, the cost of health care remains a significant burden upon their financial stability. As such, those who are uninsured would rather risk their health than pay for treatment.

(KFF)

7. In 2017, 45% of uninsured individuals stated that cost concerns were the main cause of not enrolling.

With this in mind, even with the Affordable Care Act, numerous Americans choose to risk not having health insurance, due to high costs, according to the Obamacare statistics. It’s also believed that a large percentage doesn’t receive insurance coverage through an employer, whereas others are uneducated about the insurance market and its benefits.

(KFF)

8. A high percentage of uninsured individuals come from low-income families.

This statistic helps reflect the fact that public coverage is limited in a number of states, thus making it difficult for low-income families to afford health insurance. The same source points out that there are more uninsured adults when compared to children. Similarly, people of color are less insured when compared to non-Hispanic whites, according to the Affordable Care Act statistics.

(KFF)

9. In 2017, 22% of uninsured individuals stated that they lost insurance when a family member holding health coverage became unemployed or changed jobs.

Generally, insurance should be universally available, especially in the unfortunate case of becoming unemployed or changing employment. Therefore, numerous Americans rely solely on employers to cover their health insurance, which is certainly understandable due to the high costs, as the Obamacare enrollment statistics indicate.

(KFF)

10. Immigrants who lack documentation are not eligible for Medicaid or Marketplace insurance policies.

In addition, even immigrants with legal documents are required to wait for five years before they become eligible to join the program. This leads to numerous untreated medical conditions, alongside medical debt.

(KFF)

11. Individuals living below the poverty line are most likely to lack health insurance.

A research effort concluded that over 8 in 10 individuals who lack insurance are based in a family with an income 400% below the poverty line. This alarming statistic showcases a desperate need for reform that can help increase the number of people on Obamacare.

(KFF)

12. A KFF study explored the main barriers to seeking health care for nonelderly American adults.

(KFF)

13. 76% of uninsured Americans constantly worry about having to pay medical bills if they get sick.

On the other hand, it’s important to mention that 29% of uninsured individuals encounter financial problems when they’re presented with a medical bill. And only 14% of insured individuals have to deal with the same challenge.

(KFF)

Obamacare Statistics and the ACA’s Impact on Insurance Rates

14. A recent study has determined the main changes in the uninsured rates between 2013 and 2017.

In 2013, 16.8% of Americans were uninsured, whereas the number dropped to 10.2% in 2017 (equating to a 6.6% reduction in the uninsured rate over this timeframe). Lately, changes have been less extreme. For instance, between 2016 and 2017, the change in the uninsured rate of Americans was only 0.2%, according to reports regarding how many people are covered by Obamacare.

(KFF)

15. A report published by the White House shows that after the ACA was passed, health care prices rose at the slowest rate in 50 years.

This statistic originates from a White House press release published in 2016. In it, we can see that the overall cost of health care continues to rise, yet at that time, it did so at a considerably slower rate. Thus, we can conclude that affordable insurance keeps health care employees happy and overall costs low, as pointed out by the Obamacare stats.

(Obama White House)

16. Thanks to the ACA, between 2010 and 2015, the uninsured rate in the US fell by over 40%.

This was a great achievement for the Obama administration, considering the way insurance helps guarantee medical treatment in case of a disease or emergency. After all, a medical emergency can occur at any time, and having coverage can help keep its massive financial impact at bay.

(Obama White House)

17. In other words, in 2016, 9 in 10 Americans had health insurance.

What’s more, in 2016, 129 million US citizens suffered from a pre-existing health condition, for which they could have been denied coverage before the ACA.

(Obama White House)

18. The ACA also allows Americans access to preventive medical services, free of charge.

Before the ACA policy was enacted, preventive medical services like flu shots, birth control, or yearly medical check-ups were not universally provided by insurance companies. Yearly check-ups and other preventive measures are a huge coup, granted their essentiality in ensuring that life-threatening conditions are caught early, thus improving survival rates.

(Obama White House)

19. Between 2013 and 2016, 14 million US citizens received coverage through the ACA’s Medicaid program.

The rates can be further improved if all states choose to allow ACA Medicaid coverage for their citizens. However, political and financial interests have cut these numbers short, according to our Obamacare stats.

(Obama White House)

20. The ACA has also facilitated insurance transparency, thus helping 170 million Americans understand their coverage benefits.

For years, the US medical insurance market was well-known for its lack of transparency. The ACA forced insurance companies to disclose the exact reasons behind a premium increase. As such, it also released standardized summaries to 170 million US citizens, thus allowing them to learn more about what exactly their health insurance covers, according to the stats on Obamacare.

Obama White House)

21. Thanks to the tax credits implemented by the ACA, 7.8 million US citizens were able to purchase medical coverage via the health insurance marketplace.

This is a strong example of the affordable health care options created via the ACA’s policies, thus increasing the number of insured Americans.

(Obama White House)

22. In 2018, 91.5% of Americans had health insurance.

Before the ACA, around one in six Americans were uninsured. According to Statista’s Affordable Care Act facts sheet, the number of US citizens with health insurance has remained similar since the sanctioning of the ACA. The remaining 8.5% of Americans who are still uninsured are exposing themselves to a bankruptcy risk in the unfortunate case of a medical emergency.

(Statista)

23. Despite the new policies, the revenue of the US-based life and health insurance industry is situated at over $839 billion.

With this in mind, we can easily conclude that more beneficial insurance plans can be introduced without leading to a major loss in revenue. However, this likely won’t happen without a new legislative amendment.

(Statista)

24. Despite the benefits, only 13% of Americans believe that their health coverage benefits have improved since the adoption of the ACA.

This data comes from a set of Affordable Care Act statistics from 2017, when millions of people had already signed up for the ACA. It’s important to point out that generally, people won’t see the use of paying a monthly insurance cost until the health insurance is actually needed after a medical emergency or disease. This argument may explain the low rates in this case. However, we must note that only 38% of US citizens approved of Obamacare in 2010.

(Statista)

25. An overview of the ACA shows that 60 million people were uninsured before its enactment. 27 million people remained uninsured afterward.

Based on this statistic showing the number of insured before and after Obamacare, we can conclude that the ACA has encouraged tens of millions of people to get health insurance.

(Statista)

26. So far, 39 million Obamacare and Medicare beneficiaries were excused from having to pay for a series of preventive medical services.

These services include but are not limited to cancer screenings, smoking cessation therapy, annual physicals, and bone-mass measurements. Similarly, the ACA has expanded benefits to over 60 million Americans suffering from substance abuse disorders or mental health conditions, as indicated by the ACA statistics.

(Obama White House)

27. Obamacare also strives to reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections and all avoidable hospital readmissions.

Thanks to the ACA, the US Government offers incentives to hospitals in order to encourage them to practice better care in terms of hygiene and dealing with patients. Therefore, over 3,200 US-based hospitals promote the best practices in the industry.

(Obama White House)

28. Regarding the future of the ACA, as of 2017, 49% of Americans believed that they would lose health insurance coverage if the ACA were repealed.

As we can see by the Obamacare statistics, the overall influence and impact of the ACA are much greater than initially expected. This statistic helps showcase how many Americans fear losing their health insurance coverage without the ACA.

(Statista)

In Conclusion

The ACA has helped millions of Americans get health insurance and seek medical attention without having to acquire major debt. Along with the advantages it clearly provides, the Affordable Care Act statistics show that there are numerous areas of improvement that the US Federal Government needs to focus on. Insurance rates still remain high for many people, and others are disadvantaged based on the state they live in or due to their employment status.

No matter what, we hope that your decision in purchasing a health insurance plan has been simplified by our Obamacare statistics. Similarly, we hope that further reforms of the US medical system will be made in the near future, to ensure the best possible quality of life for all residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main benefit of Obamacare?

The ACA offers a plethora of government subsidies to eligible American individuals looking to purchase a health insurance plan.

How many people are covered by Obamacare?

So far, we only have estimates for this question. Numerous sources point out that over 23 million people are currently covered under the ACA.

Are there any conditions to qualify for Obamacare?

Yes. The ACA has enacted four conditions: recipients must reside within the US, be a US citizen/legal immigrant/US national, not be incarcerated, and have a total household income that is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Sources

KFF

Obama White House

Reuters

Statista

If it’s true that we are what we eat, then it’s definitely worth putting in some effort to make that count. Proper nutrition has been the driving force that kept the human civilization alive for countless millennia, evolving along with us as the needs and capabilities of the modern individual grew.

Ironically, nutrition statistics and facts on healthy food and beverage intake of today show the exact opposite of progress. More and more people are turning from consuming natural food sources to gorging on processed foods, adding an unhealthy amount of excess sugar and salt to their daily diets. As a result, over two-thirds of the adult population in the US, and about one-third of children and youngsters, are overweight or obese. These physical conditions can drastically affect your long-term health and can pose an even greater risk if further complications arise. So, if we really are what we eat, then we’re neither good nor healthy.

There are plenty of statistics about nutrition that coincide with the previous statement; the ones presented down below only giving a general picture of how things are thus far. After all, acknowledging that there is, in fact, a problem is the first step towards solving it, and this one is of grave importance to us all.

Nutrition Statistics and Facts (Editor’s Pick)

• 9% of high school students meet daily fruit intake recommendations.
• Only 2% of high school students adhere to the suggested daily vegetable intake.
• There are just 2.7 farmers’ markets available per 100,000 US citizens.
• Since 1970, child obesity has quadrupled, and adolescent obesity — tripled.
• Annually, 678,000 US deaths are attributed to nutrition-related diseases.
• As little as 10 minutes of physical activity a day can make a difference in people’s health.
• Nutrition-related diseases are costing the country nearly $800 billion annually.
• 30% of US residents are leading completely sedentary lifestyles.

Healthy Eating Statistics in the US

1. Only 12.2% of adults in the USA meet the daily fruit intake recommendations.

The recommended amount of daily intake of fruits for an average adult living in the US is somewhere between one and a half cup and two whole ones. This is part of the latest government-supported dietary plan — the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The situation is even more alarming in the case of high-school students, as only 9% meet the provided recommendations, according to nutrition statistics.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2. Less than 10% of US adults adopt and stick to the recommended vegetable guidelines.

To be more specific, only 9.3% of all adults maintain a daily intake of 2–3 cups of vegetables, as prescribed in the latest guidelines. With high school students, the percentage of the population that meets the suggested dose is just 2%.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

3. Added sugars are a major part of daily unhealthy eating habits, statistics show.

Americans need to regulate their daily intake of added sugars — raw sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, honey, lactose, and more. The recommended dose is no more than 10% of the daily intake of calories. However, stats show that male adults consume 13% of their total daily calories from added sugars (335 calories on average); meanwhile, women consume (on average) 239 calories of these with the same rate as men. Moreover, the percentage is higher for children aged 2–19; up to 16% of their total daily calories. For boys, this averages around 362 calories, whereas for girls it’s more around 282 calories.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4. American nutrition statistics show about 117 million adults suffering from one or more chronic diseases due to improper nutrition and lack of exercise.

The US population is suffering from diseases such as type 2 diabetes, different cancers, and various heart conditions. This is mostly the result of poor eating habits and a lack of physical activity.

Source: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

5. 23 million Americans, and counting, live in “food deserts.”

Over 23 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, live in so-called food deserts; meaning, there is no accessible supermarket in close proximity to their place of residence.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

6. Only 2.7 farmers’ markets are available per 100,000 US citizens, significantly affecting statistics on healthy food availability.

Healthy food — fruits and vegetables are largely inaccessible for some families and residents of the less developed, rural areas of the US. A farmers’ market is a neat way of bringing locally grown produce closer to the general public due to more affordable pricing, longer operating hours, and higher quality of fruits and vegetables. Speaking of which, federal benefits are also available for such services — WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons being some of them.

Source: United States Department of Agriculture

Healthy Eating Statistics Globally

7. Micronutrient malnutrition, and the lack of data on the matter, is one key point of interest for achieving better global nutrition habits.

The latest Global Nutrition Report shows that there is a lack of data concerning micronutrient deficiencies. This situation has to improve if we wish to repair the existing high burden of malnutrition, in global terms.

Source: World Health Organization

8. A large percentage of women and children around the globe are in dire need of micronutrient supplements; according to nutrition statistics presented in the following table.

According to the above-mentioned nutrition statistics, iron deficiency is one of the most serious micronutrient malnutrition conditions; especially since it is often wrongly attributed to anemia instead of other deficiencies, causing even more harm in the process. What is more, iodine deficiency is yet another such issue that requires additional public attention and further investigation to combat the growing issue of public health concerning women and children.

Source: Global Nutrition Report

9. Malnutrition in times of crisis and instability, as well as alarming healthy diet statistics for female adolescents and adults, are two other key points.

The report suggests a need for platforms, strategies, and other solutions to prevent cases of overlapping malnutrition among populations in destabilized regions. What is more, they call for campaigns for raising awareness among young girls and women regarding the benefits of proper nutrition, as well as the health risks involved in its absence.

Source: Global Nutrition Report

Unhealthy Eating Habits — Statistics & Projections

10. Since 1970, in the US, obesity in children has quadrupled, in adolescents — tripled, and among adults — doubled.

The latest calculations show that twice as many children aged 2–5 have become obese in the allotted timeframe. From a low 4% rate of obesity among children, aged 6–11, the percentage has risen up to 20%, whereas the number of obese adolescents, aged 12–19, has risen from 6% to 18%. Ultimately, the number of obese adults has effectively doubled, jumping from 15% to a staggering 34%.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

11. Nutrition statistics show that approximately 678,000 annual deaths in the US can be attributed to malnutrition and obesity-related diseases.

The number of deaths — coupled with the fact that almost half of the population suffers from diseases caused by heart-, cancer-, and diabetes-related issues — shows the unhealthy eating practices of US citizens.

Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest

12. 18.66% of all deaths in the US in 2017 are attributed to heart disease, whereas another 6.03% and 6.67% are caused by strokes and lung cancer, respectively.

Unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits are the leading cause of death in the US, as the latest unhealthy eating statistics show. Yet, the current data also shows some promise with a steady decline in the number of cases — in respect to last year’s figures — with a −1.39% annual change in heart failure, −0.28% in strokes, and a −0.095% decrease in terminal lung cancer cases.

Source: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation

13. Direct + indirect costs of malnutrition and inactivity-related diseases.

Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest

14. US healthy food statistics show food-secure households going up since last year.

Since the last report, the number of food-secure households in the US has risen from 88.2% to 88.9%. This still leaves 11.1% of food-insecure households having either low or very low food security. In other words, these households don’t have the means to access proper food quality and quantity for a healthy lifestyle.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture — Economic Research Service

15. Healthy lifestyle statistics and habits may not coincide with environmentally friendly choices, study shows.

There has been a lot of talk regarding the adoption of a more eco-friendly and sustainable diet by people everywhere. With the topic of climate change trending now more than ever, the solution to sustainable eating is seen predominantly in plant-based foods. However, this type of diet offers little to no benefits for either stopping obesity or other malnutrition-caused chronic diseases. In fact, this may help induce “adverse health effects” altogether.

Source: American Society for Nutrition — Advances in Nutrition

Healthy Lifestyle Statistics — Food & Exercise

16. 25% of male adults meet the Physical Activity Guidelines; 17% in the case of women in the US.

The Physical Activity Guidelines include both aerobic and muscle-strengthening recommendations. However, only a small percentage of the overall US population adheres to these guidelines. Still, the situation shows slight improvement since the previous measures were taken back in 2008 — an increase of 3% among male participants, as well as a 2% increase in the female camp.

Source: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

17. Healthy eating benefits statistics show that proper nutrition, and as little as 10 minutes of physical activity, can produce positive results.

There is no longer a valid excuse for lacking the time to exercise (on a daily basis) — current data shows that even short, 10-minute increments of physical activity can bring long-term health benefits.

Source: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

18. 30% of US residents report doing absolutely no physical activity; leisurely or intentionally.

This is somewhat generalized — data jumps will inevitably appear across different socio-economic groups, but the overall impression remains. One-third of the nation is not engaging in any kind of exercise at all, causing even more damage to their life expectancy when paired with poor eating habits.

Source: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

19. Vermont residents are topping the charts in healthy living statistics with the highest percentage of regular exercise.

The state of Vermont is on the very top of the list of states whose residents have reported engaging in regular exercise for 30 or more minutes, three or more days a week. The latest figures show 65.3% of Vermont residents, followed by 62.2% of Hawaiians, and 60.1% of Montana residents leading the way in terms of physical activity in the states.

Source: Gallup

20. Vermont and Montana are also topping nutrition statistics with the highest produce consumption rates on a state level.

Up to 67.8% of Vermont residents reported consuming produce at least 4 days a week, with Montana falling shortly behind with less than a 5% difference (63.0%). Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Missouri residents reported the lowest produce consumption throughout the week — with only 52.3% of Oklahoma residents eating five vegetable servings, for a minimum of four days a week.

Source: Gallup

Conclusion

Proper food and beverage intake is crucial for maintaining a healthy and working organism. Proof of this can be found all throughout the history of human civilization, as well as the supporting data we have today. Health risks, physical appearance, and micronutrient intake are only a small piece of a much larger puzzle, as nutrition statistics show. Seeing how it can potentially have devastating effects on our climate (impacting the state of the entire planet), nutrition is bound to be a hot topic for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a ‘healthy diet’ consist of?

– A healthy diet is a complex combination of all the different food groups. In general terms, it mainly deals with establishing a proper balance between calorie intake and expense. In this regard, particular attention is given to the intake of sugar, solid fats, sodium, and alcohol.

2. How can I take up a physical activity without straining myself?

– The best way to take up some physical activity is to start out small with short exercise intervals and work your way up to more exhausting sessions over time. What is more, according to healthy lifestyle statistics, this practice should be accompanied with less sedentary time per day, as well as less time spent in front of the screen.

3. Is drinking water considered a part of a healthy diet?

– Yes, overall water intake per day is actually recommended by specific health organizations, and is a vital piece of the whole nutrition puzzle.

4. Is breastfeeding really important for proper nutrition later on in life?

– Yes, breastfeeding is, in fact, the first step towards adopting the right nutrition practices, and significantly contributes towards a healthier and more physically adept individual later on, according to the latest nutrition statistics.

5. Does proper nutrition do anything against obesity?

– Yes, proper nutrition is bound to eliminate obesity and weight issues within individuals. However, this has to be supplemented with other healthy living habits in order for it to work. What is more, people ought to abandon less healthy habits, such as eating at fast-food restaurants every day — as a third of the US population have reported doing.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• United States Department of Agriculture
• World Health Organization
• Global Nutrition Report
• Center for Science in the Public Interest
• Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
• U.S. Department of Agriculture – Economic Research Service
• American Society for Nutrition – Advances in Nutrition
• Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
• Gallup