A shocking 72% of Americans report being in poor or moderate health, with the average person feeling “fully healthy” less than two-thirds of each month, exposing the silent epidemic of normalized suffering.
Key Takeaways
- The average American reports feeling “fully healthy” only 19 days out of each month, with 72% reporting moderate or poor health status
- Fatigue (12.9 days/month), mood changes (10.1 days/month), digestive problems (9.8 days/month), and headaches (7.5 days/month) are the most common chronic health issues
- Health issues significantly impact daily life, with 65% saying their work performance suffers, 40% limiting exercise, and 48% avoiding intimacy due to gut issues
- Gut health problems are more prevalent among younger generations, especially Gen Z, with digestive issues affecting one-third of all respondents regularly
- Medical experts warn that normalizing chronic symptoms can delay diagnosis of serious underlying conditions including SIBO, IBS, celiac disease, and colon cancer
America’s Hidden Health Crisis
A recent nationwide survey has revealed a troubling health reality for most Americans: only 28% of respondents consider themselves completely healthy at any given time. The research, conducted by Talker Research for Doctor’s Best, surveyed 2,000 Americans aged 18 and over in April 2025, painting a concerning picture of the nation’s day-to-day wellbeing.
The majority of Americans are struggling with recurring health issues that significantly impact their quality of life, work performance, and personal relationships. Perhaps most alarming is that many of these conditions have become normalized, with people accepting persistent symptoms as an inevitable part of life rather than seeking proper medical attention.
“If the average American only feels healthy 19 days a month, perhaps the real epidemic is how much suffering we have learned to tolerate. Gut issues and fatigue are often discussed as if they are just a normal part of life. Feeling well shouldn’t be considered an exception. It should be the baseline,” said Gale Bensussen, CEO of Doctor’s Best.
The study found that fatigue tops the list of common health complaints, with respondents reporting feeling tired nearly 13 days per month on average. Mood changes follow closely at just over 10 days monthly, while digestive issues and headaches plague Americans for approximately 10 and 7.5 days per month, respectively. More concerning still, 51% of respondents reported that their recurring health problems have persisted for six months or longer, indicating chronic conditions rather than temporary ailments. These findings suggest that millions of Americans are living with suboptimal health as their normal state, accepting daily discomfort rather than addressing root causes.
The Far-Reaching Impact of Poor Health
The survey clearly demonstrates that these persistent health issues extend far beyond physical discomfort, creating ripple effects across all aspects of life. Among employed respondents, 65% reported that their health problems negatively impact their work performance, while over 40% said their ability to exercise is limited by their health conditions. Family time suffers for 15% of respondents, who report being unable to fully enjoy time with loved ones due to health concerns. These statistics represent millions of Americans whose professional success, physical fitness, and personal relationships are all being compromised by preventable or treatable health conditions.
Average American Feels ‘Fully Healthy’ Just 19 Days Per Month | StudyFinds
In a nutshell
– Americans only feel fully healthy 19 days per month, with 72% reporting moderate or poor health at any given time
– The top health thieves are fatigue (12.9 days monthly), mood changes… pic.twitter.com/s4DR3jN1tc
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) May 29, 2025
Perhaps most striking are the findings related to intimate relationships. A startling 48% of respondents admit to avoiding sexual activity due to gut issues, with digestive problems creating significant barriers to physical intimacy. Additionally, 32% of men report struggling with erectile dysfunction symptoms, further highlighting how physical health directly impacts relationships.
The prevalence of these issues demonstrates that what might be dismissed as minor health complaints can have major consequences for quality of life and personal happiness. The normalization of these symptoms has created a society where feeling unwell has become an accepted part of daily existence.
The Gut Health Connection
Digestive health emerged as a particularly significant concern in the study, with approximately one-third of respondents regularly experiencing gut issues including bloating, indigestion, and constipation. These problems were most prevalent among younger Americans, with Gen Z reporting the highest rates of digestive complaints. This generational trend raises questions about whether lifestyle factors, dietary changes, or environmental influences may be contributing to increased gut health problems among younger Americans. The prevalence of these issues has created a situation where many people simply accept digestive discomfort as normal rather than seeking medical guidance.
“When your gut is unbalanced, everything else begins to suffer — work, sleep, intimacy, and even the simple joy of being with family. We often try to convince ourselves that health is a private issue, but the statistics show otherwise. When we don’t feel well, it affects every aspect of our lives. Healing the gut isn’t just about improving digestion; it’s about reclaiming the parts of life we’re gradually losing,” said Katie Lucas, CMO of Doctor’s Best.
The Danger of Normalizing Symptoms
Medical experts warn that accepting persistent symptoms as normal can have serious consequences. Many Americans are dismissing warning signs that could indicate more serious underlying conditions, potentially delaying critical diagnoses and treatments. The survey found that men are particularly likely to report that health issues affect their sleep and work productivity, yet they are less proactive in seeking medical help compared to women. This reluctance to address health concerns may be contributing to the normalization of chronic symptoms and preventing many Americans from achieving optimal health and wellness.
“Normalizing chronic symptoms like bloating, discomfort or irregular bowel habits can delay diagnosis of underlying conditions such as SIBO, IBS, celiac disease or even inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer,” said Dr. Ali Rezaie.
Despite the prevalence of these health issues, the survey did reveal some positive signs that Americans are becoming more proactive about their wellbeing. Approximately 38% of men and 37% of women expressed openness to trying supplements specifically for gut health, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of digestive wellness.
This willingness to explore solutions suggests that with proper education and awareness, Americans may begin to challenge the normalization of chronic symptoms and seek improvement rather than acceptance of poor health conditions. The findings serve as a wake-up call that feeling unwell should never be accepted as the default state.
