Americans are suffering in silence as a shocking 72% don’t identify as “completely healthy,” with the average person experiencing nearly 13 days of debilitating fatigue monthly, while digestive issues prevent almost half from enjoying intimacy.
Key Takeaways
- Only 28% of Americans report feeling completely healthy, with the average person experiencing just 19 “fully healthy” days per month.
- Chronic fatigue affects Americans for nearly 13 days monthly, while digestive issues plague one-third of the population consistently.
- Health problems significantly impact daily life, with 65% reporting decreased work performance and 48% avoiding intimacy due to gut issues.
- Men are more likely to report health impacts on sleep and productivity, but less likely to seek medical help for their conditions.
- Medical experts warn that normalizing chronic symptoms can delay diagnosis of serious conditions like SIBO, IBS, and even colon cancer.
The Hidden Health Crisis Affecting Most Americans
A concerning new survey reveals that the average American experiences optimal health for only 19 days in a typical month, leaving nearly one-third of each month compromised by various health issues. The research, conducted by Talker Research for Doctor’s Best, surveyed 2,000 Americans aged 18 and over between April 18-24, 2025. The findings paint a troubling picture of the nation’s health, with only 28% of respondents reporting feeling completely healthy at the time of the survey, while a substantial 72% described their health as moderate or poor.
This widespread health crisis manifests through various symptoms, with fatigue leading the pack at 12.9 days per month, followed by mood changes (10.1 days), digestive problems (9.8 days), and headaches (7.5 days). Perhaps most alarming is that 51% of respondents reported experiencing recurring health issues lasting six months or longer, suggesting chronic conditions that significantly impact quality of life rather than temporary ailments.
“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 Gut Health Crisis and Its Far-Reaching Effects
Digestive problems emerge as a central health concern, with about one-third of respondents regularly experiencing issues such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation. These gut health problems disproportionately affect younger generations, with Gen Z reporting higher rates than older adults. The impact extends far beyond physical discomfort, creating cascading effects throughout people’s personal and professional lives. A staggering 65% of employed respondents admit their health issues impact their work performance, while over 40% say these problems limit their ability to exercise regularly.
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 concerning is the impact on intimate relationships, with 48% of respondents reporting they avoid sexual activity due to gut issues. Additionally, 32% of men report struggling with erectile dysfunction symptoms, which may be related to their overall health status. These statistics highlight how seemingly isolated health issues can pervade every aspect of life, from professional productivity to personal relationships and family dynamics, with 15% reporting that health issues affect their enjoyment of family time.
Gender Differences and Medical Response
The survey uncovered significant gender differences in how health issues are experienced and addressed. Men are more likely to report that health issues affect their sleep and work productivity. However, they’re simultaneously less proactive about seeking medical help for these conditions. This reluctance to seek treatment could potentially exacerbate problems that might be manageable with proper medical intervention. Despite these differences, both men (38%) and women (37%) expressed similar openness to trying supplements to address gut issues.
“When your gut is unbalanced, everything else begins to suffer: work, sleep, intimacy, and even the simple joy of being with family,” said Katie Lucas, CMO of Doctor’s Best.
Medical Warnings Against Normalizing Symptoms
Health experts caution against the tendency to normalize chronic symptoms as simply part of everyday life. Dr. Ali Rezaie, a medical expert cited in the survey’s analysis, warns that dismissing persistent symptoms can delay the diagnosis of potentially serious conditions. Accepting chronic bloating, discomfort, or irregular bowel habits as normal could mask underlying conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or even colon cancer, allowing these conditions to progress untreated.
The high prevalence of Americans suffering from health issues without seeking appropriate medical care raises questions about healthcare accessibility and education. With the Biden administration’s policies driving up healthcare costs and insurance premiums, it’s worth considering how many Americans might be suffering needlessly due to financial barriers to proper medical care. When nearly three-quarters of the population doesn’t consider themselves fully healthy, it represents not just individual suffering but a potential public health crisis requiring serious attention from policymakers and healthcare providers alike.
“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.
