Read the report brief that summarizes the main findings.

Video Highlights

Watch a short interview with the chair of the committee.

Although the United States spends more on health care than any other nation, a growing body of research shows that Americans are in poorer health and live shorter lives than people in many other high-income countries. U.S. Health in International Perspective synthesizes; available research, taking an in-depth look at this disadvantage in health and lifespan.

Why is the United States falling behind? The report finds that America's health disadvantage probably results from a combination of factors: inadequate health care systems, unhealthy behaviors, social and economic factors, and environmental factors, such as metropolitan landscapes that encourage car use rather than exercise. (Press Release, Press Coverage)

For more information on the U.S. health disadvantage, its likely causes, and steps the nation can take to start closing the gap:

• Explore this interactive chart, which allows the reader to examine how the U.S. compares to 16 "peer" countries—other high-income democracies—on specific causes of death such as heart disease, HIV/AIDS, violence, and traffic accidents

• Download the report from the National Academies Press

• Read an op-ed in the Journal of the American Medical Association
   
• Watch the archived video of the public briefing

• Read a related article in Issues in Science and Technology