A report from the National Research Council weighs in on factors contributing to the slower pace of improvements in longevity among men and women in the U.S. compared to other high-income countries.  The report finds that previous heavy smoking is a major reason for the discrepancy, particular among women.  The peak effects of smoking on mortality play out some two to three decades later, according to the report.  Levels of obesity and lack of universal access to health care in the U.S. were also found to be contributing factors.

Related national health disparity information can be found on our website.