John Elflein
Research expert covering health and health care
Health - Statistics & Facts
The World Health Organization (WHO) states in its constitution that, “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Thanks to advances in medicine, wider access to health care services, and increased awareness of health risks among the public, people today tend to live longer and have healthier lives than in the past. There is now a stronger focus on healthy living and disease prevention than ever before, and technology has greatly improved access to medical treatment and enhanced care. However, disparities in health and health care still exist around the world, especially based on geography and wealth. Furthermore, people around the world continue to engage in behavior that puts their health at risk, and stigma around certain health conditions, especially involving mental health, keeps people from seeking or accessing the care and treatment they need.
What are the most common diseases worldwide?
The leading causes of death worldwide include diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. In the United States, heart disease and cancer account for a combined 40 percent of all deaths as of 2022. However, the diseases that most impact a country can vary depending on many factors including the region and income of the country. For example, those from wealthier more developed countries are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes, while low-income countries are more impacted by infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDs, and diarrheal diseases.Changing views on mental health
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented attention to the issue of mental health as people around the world collectively faced new levels of stress, anxiety, and isolation. Although mental health is still stigmatized in many parts of the world, people today are more comfortable talking about and seeking help for their mental health issues than in the past. Some of the most common mental health disorders worldwide include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. The World Health Organization estimates that around one in eight people worldwide live with some type of mental disorder. In the United States, mental illness is more prevalent among younger adults and women, with around 26 percent of women reporting some mental illness in the past year in 2022, compared to 20 percent of men.Live healthy, stay healthy
The risk of developing many common chronic diseases, as well as mental health issues, can be decreased through healthy living and avoiding known risk factors. People today are generally more health conscious than in the past, but millions of people worldwide still exhibit behavior that is detrimental to their health, such as smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, eating poorly, not maintaining a healthy weight, and not being physically active. Although smoking rates have greatly decreased in many parts of the world, it was estimated that around 29 percent of males and five percent of females worldwide still smoked in 2020. On the other hand, the share of the population that is considered overweight or obese has risen in recent years and is predicted to grow in the future. In 2020, around 42 percent of adults worldwide were thought to be overweight or obese, with this number expected to reach 54 percent by the year 2035. Those who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk of many serious health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
