(BPT) - Across the country, Americans may be thinking about what it means to be healthy - and it can start at the dinner table. Seventy-six percent of U.S. adults say they would prefer to improve their health through food according to the results of a survey conducted by Deloitte's Center for Health Solutions. This preference spans across ages, incomes, insurance types, and even those living with chronic conditions.
Food as medicine: A growing movement
While prescription drugs remain essential for many, food can also be an everyday tool for health and wellness. Among individuals with chronic illnesses, nearly half (45%) still prefer to manage their health through diet, and 73% prefer to rely on nutrition "as much as possible." For those without chronic conditions, the number jumps to 82%.
Challenges - and opportunities - for change
Despite the strong desire to use food to help improve or maintain health, many Americans face real obstacles when it comes to incorporating health foods, including:
- Limited access to nutritious foods
- Higher costs for healthy options
- Confusion about which foods are truly healthy
- Convenience and habits that steer choices elsewhere
According to Deloitte's research, there appears to be an opportunity for grocery stores, health care providers, employers and innovators to support healthier eating. By making healthy eating more accessible, affordable and appealing - through clearer guidance, better options and even "food prescriptions" - these stakeholders can help Americans turn intention into action. The potential payoff? Lower risk of chronic disease (potentially reversing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes), improved quality of life, increased productivity and fewer missed work days due to illness or medical appointments, and stronger communities. However, consumers likely won't achieve better health outcomes if food isn't fresh, affordable, tasty or culturally appropriate.
"Our research shows that many Americans want to eat their way to better health," says Jay Bhatt, D.O., MPH, MPA, director of the Center for Health Solutions and Health Institute at Deloitte. "A challenge is making healthy choices as easy and convenient as taking medication. Smart grocery layouts, trusted nutrition guidance and workplace wellness programs can help bridge the gap - one small, healthy shift at a time."
Quick tips for consumers:
Begin with what's on your plate - and ask your doctor, grocery store or employer how they're supporting healthier food choices.
- Keep it simple: Swap processed snacks for whole fruits or veggies at work.
- Plan: Batch-prep meals on weekends to help avoid last-minute, unhealthy decisions.
- Get support: Use in-store nutrition guides or ask grocers for healthy picks.
- Talk with your physician: Learn more about which foods can best support your health needs.
- Leverage technology: Apps and product image scans can help you choose healthier items with confidence.
Bottom Line:
Consumers are indicating that they want nutrition to play a central role in managing their well-being. Yet, real-life obstacles - like limited access and confusing nutritional information - may be stalling progress.
Whether you're a health-conscious parent, a busy commuter or managing a chronic condition, small, everyday food choices can add up to big health gains. With appropriate support, eating for wellness has the potential to help more Americans live longer and healthier lives.*
Deloitte's 2024 US Health Care Consumer Survey, conducted by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, polled 2,014 adults in July 2024 to better understand how Americans view nutrition and its role in health management.
