Pandemic Reveals Alarming Fitness Crisis in America

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A commentary piece argues that the biggest issue plaguing the U.S. is the nation's declining physical fitness and lack of regular 'servicing' of the body, which has led to soaring healthcare costs and poor outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article cites studies showing that inactive Americans were far more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID-19, and that obesity rates have skyrocketed in recent decades, leading to higher risks of chronic diseases. However, the medical community is criticized for focusing too much on costly drug treatments rather than addressing the root cause of poor fitness.

Why it matters

The commentary highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the dire consequences of America's physical inactivity crisis, which has driven up healthcare spending and led to worse health outcomes. It argues that the medical industry has failed to adequately address the fundamental issue of declining fitness, instead relying too heavily on expensive drug treatments that don't address the underlying problem.

The details

The article cites research showing that Americans who were consistently inactive were 191% more likely to be hospitalized and 391% more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were consistently active. It also notes that the direct medical costs of COVID-19 from March 2020 to October 2021 were estimated at around $22 billion, with intensive care costing an average of $63,060 per patient. Additionally, the piece points to studies documenting the dramatic rise in obesity rates in the U.S., from 19.3% of adults in 1990 to 42.5% in 2022, which is forecast to reach 46.9% by 2035. However, the commentary argues the medical community has failed to adequately address this crisis, instead focusing too much on costly drug treatments like GLP-1 medications that don't improve overall fitness.

• In 1970, national health spending topped 6% of GDP.
• In 2024, the U.S. spent 18% of its GDP on healthcare.
• From March 2020 to October 2021, the direct medical costs of COVID-19 were estimated at around $22 billion.
• In 2022, 42.5% of U.S. adults were living with obesity, up from 19.3% in 1990.
• By 2035, obesity rates are forecast to reach 46.9% of the adult population.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The commentary does not mention any specific next steps or future newsworthy moments related to this story.