U.S. Predicted to Drop Sharply in Global Life Expectancy Rankings by 2050

Researchers attribute the decline to rising obesity rates, drug-related deaths, and other health challenges, despite modest gains in life expectancy.

The U.S. is projected to fall from 49th in 2022 to 66th in global life expectancy rankings by 2050, according to a study from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).
Life expectancy in the U.S. is expected to rise only slightly, from 78.3 years in 2022 to 80.4 years in 2050, lagging behind gains in many other high- and middle-income countries.
Obesity is forecasted to reach unprecedented levels, with over 260 million Americans affected by 2050, posing a major public health crisis and slowing health improvements.
Drug-related deaths are expected to increase by 34% by 2050, leaving the U.S. with the highest drug-related mortality rate globally, more than double that of Canada, the second-highest country.
Researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive health strategies, including reducing obesity, improving drug use prevention, and expanding access to high-quality, universal healthcare.