Joni Mitchell famously sang, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone,” in her hit Big Yellow Taxi. It’s a sentiment that rings true when it comes to our health. While we’re busy with daily life, we often overlook one of the most critical aspects of our well-being—metabolic health.
Recently, discussions on population health have entered the public sphere, largely thanks to JFK, Jr. and others, which provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our own health journeys.
The State of Metabolic Health in America
The numbers paint a concerning picture. A study published by Tufts University in July 2022 revealed that only 6.8% of U.S. adults had optimal metabolic health between 2017-2018 (O’Hearn et al. 2022). Further data from the CDC indicates that six in ten Americans now live with a chronic disease (“Chronic Diseases in America”). Even more alarming, the National Health Council reported an exponential rise in autoimmune conditions in both adults and adolescents as of March 2023 (“Rising Autoimmune Diseases in the U.S.”).
On a related note, a 2016 study from the Journal of Hand Therapy found that grip strength in young adults (ages 20-34) has significantly declined compared to data from 1985 (Dodds et al. 2016). This decline in physical vitality, especially among younger generations, is a concerning trend in the face of rising health expenditures.
The Growing Cost of Poor Health
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. health expenditures reached a staggering $4.5 trillion in 2022, with $320 billion spent on cardiovascular diseases and $412.9 billion on diabetes treatment (CMS 2023). Meanwhile, industries like gyms, fitness clubs, and supplements are also booming, with Americans spending $30.6 billion on fitness clubs and $40.9 billion on dietary supplements in 2022 (Statista Research Department).
Yet, despite the trillions spent, Americans are becoming weaker, sicker, and more overweight than previous generations. This paradox suggests that the billions poured into healthcare and fitness aren’t yielding healthier outcomes.
The Role of Metabolic Health
The answer to this complex issue often lies in metabolic health, which is directly influenced by the food we eat. Our meal choices dictate the efficiency of our bodies’ mechanisms, such as energy production, immune response, sleep regulation, and hormone production. Simply put, what we put on our forks has a profound impact on our health.
By taking control of our diet and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, we can influence our health trajectory and ensure longevity. Recognizing that we have the power to shape our metabolic health through our food choices is the first step toward wellness.
Conclusion
Improving metabolic health is about more than just avoiding disease—it’s about achieving optimal vitality, strength, and happiness. The foods we choose to consume have the power to make us stronger, leaner, and healthier. In a world where chronic illness is on the rise, taking control of your metabolic health is one of the most empowering actions you can take.
MLA Format Sources:
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). “National Health Expenditure Data.” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2023, www.cms.gov/research-statistics-data-and-systems/statistics-trends-and-reports/nationalhealthexpenddata.
- Dodds, Richard M., et al. “Grip Strength across the Life Course: Normative Data from Twelve British Studies.” Journal of Hand Therapy, vol. 29, no. 2, 2016, pp. 195-204, doi:10.1016/j.jht.2016.07.002.
- O’Hearn, Michael, et al. “Trends and Disparities in Cardiometabolic Health Among U.S. Adults, 1999-2018.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, vol. 80, no. 2, 2022, pp. 138-148, doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2022.05.001.
- Statista Research Department. “Fitness and Health Club Market Size in the U.S. from 2012 to 2022.” Statista, 2023, www.statista.com/statistics/236123/us-fitness-center–health-club-revenue.
- “Chronic Diseases in America.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/chronic-diseases.htm.
- “Rising Autoimmune Diseases in the U.S.” National Health Council, 2023, www.nationalhealthcouncil.org/autoimmune-disease-rise-2023.