The American lifestyle and diet are leading to shorter life expectancies compared to other countries around the world. 

According to the Worldometer rankings of countries by life expectancy, the United States ranks 47th. The average life expectancy for both sexes is 79, not even reaching 80. Compared to other first-world countries, the United States is below the average of 82, according to PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). 

One of the major causes of the lower life expectancy is because of the American diet. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016 1.9 billion Americans were reported to be overweight. The CDC concluded that the percentage of obesity prevalence was 30%. Because the American diet is unhealthy, the life expectancy decreases along with the health of those who live. The quality of life can decrease severely, as the saying goes, ‘you are what you eat’. The typical American diet 

Although the American diet is a leading cause of mortality in the United States, the increasing spread of diseases and amounts of accidents, firearm-related cases, and drug overdose are also major components to the high mortality rate according to the National Library of Medicine. To move forward to improve the life expectancy of our country, a first move should be made with diet and food intake. The portion sizes are significantly larger in America. By reducing the portion sizes to a healthy amount, better health could be restored. 

According to BioStation, a medical spa in Florida that specializes in self-care and body recovery, over 50% of Americans were reported to be deficient in Vitamins A and C, along with magnesium. Regardless of age, over 50% of Americans are also deficient in Vitamin D. This proves that the vitamins that are essential for life and healthful living are deficient–making many prone to mortality. Eating foods with higher amounts of vitamin can help improve the health of many Americans, possibly helping with the accidents caused and substance abuse because healthier bodies can lead to healthier lifestyles.