A disturbing new survey reveals that 72% of Americans report being in poor or moderate health, with the average person feeling fully healthy for less than three weeks per month.
Key Takeaways
- Only 28% of Americans feel completely healthy, with the average person experiencing just 19 days of full health per month
- Americans suffer from digestive problems for nearly 10 days monthly, fatigue for almost 13 days, and mood issues for over 10 days
- Health problems significantly impact daily life: 65% say work performance suffers, 40% exercise less, and 48% avoid intimacy due to gut issues
- Gut health issues disproportionately affect younger generations, particularly Gen Z
- Medical experts warn that normalizing chronic symptoms can delay diagnosis of serious conditions like IBS, celiac disease, and even colon cancer
America’s Hidden Health Crisis
The latest comprehensive health survey reveals a troubling reality about the state of American wellness. Only 28% of Americans report feeling completely healthy, with the majority experiencing recurring health issues that significantly impact their quality of life. Americans report feeling “fully healthy” for only 19 days in a typical month, meaning they spend more than a third of their lives dealing with health complaints. This stark finding challenges the perception that occasional digestive discomfort, fatigue, and headaches are simply normal parts of life rather than symptoms of underlying health problems requiring attention.
The survey, conducted by Talker Research for Doctor’s Best in April 2025, involved 2,000 Americans aged 18 and over. Results show that 72% of respondents reported being in moderate or poor health at the time of the survey. Perhaps most concerning is that 51% of respondents have been dealing with recurring health issues lasting six months or longer, indicating chronic conditions rather than temporary ailments. These numbers represent millions of Americans silently suffering through health problems that may be addressable with proper medical intervention or lifestyle changes.
“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 Daily Burden of Poor Health
The most common health issues reported in the survey paint a picture of Americans struggling through their daily lives with significant discomfort. Respondents reported experiencing fatigue for an average of 12.9 days per month—nearly half of all days. Mood changes affect Americans for 10.1 days monthly, while digestive problems plague them for 9.8 days and headaches for 7.5 days each month. This means many Americans spend more days feeling unwell than healthy, a situation that’s become normalized despite its serious implications for quality of life.
Gut health issues specifically affect about one-third of Americans, with 30% regularly experiencing bloating, indigestion, and constipation. These digestive problems don’t exist in isolation—they create a cascade of effects through all aspects of life. The survey found that 65% of employed respondents feel their health impacts work performance, with men more likely to report that health issues affect sleep and productivity. Over 40% say health problems limit their ability to exercise, creating a negative cycle where poor health prevents the very activities that might improve it.
“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
The Impact on Personal Relationships
Perhaps most concerning is how health issues are affecting Americans’ most intimate relationships. The survey revealed that 48% of respondents avoid sexual intimacy due to gut issues, representing a significant impact on romantic relationships. Additionally, 32% of men report struggling with erectile dysfunction symptoms, which may be connected to overall health status. Even family relationships suffer, with 15% reporting that health issues affect their enjoyment of family time. These statistics reveal that what many consider “private” health matters actually have widespread social consequences.
The generational breakdown of the data shows that gut health issues disproportionately affect younger age groups, especially Gen Z. This contradicts the common assumption that digestive problems primarily affect older Americans. It raises questions about whether environmental factors, dietary changes, or increased stress levels in younger generations are contributing to this trend. Despite the prevalence of these issues, there appears to be an openness to solutions, with 38% of men and 37% of women reporting they would be willing to try supplements specifically for gut health.
“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 Path Forward
The survey highlights a concerning gender gap in health-seeking behaviors. While men are more likely to report that health issues affect their sleep and work productivity, they are less proactive in seeking medical help for these problems. This reluctance to address health concerns could explain why chronic conditions persist and eventually worsen. The data suggests that Americans of all genders need to be encouraged to take a more proactive approach to their health, particularly when symptoms persist for more than a few days.
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
The prevalence of digestive issues specifically points to a need for greater attention to gut health. With nearly a third of Americans regularly experiencing gut problems, and these issues affecting everything from work performance to intimate relationships, addressing digestive health could significantly improve quality of life for millions. As Americans become more aware of how their gut health affects overall wellbeing, there appears to be growing interest in solutions, whether through medical intervention, dietary changes, or appropriate supplements that support digestive health.
