A majority of Americans believe chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are preventable, yet few express confidence in maintaining their health, according to a new survey.
The survey of 4,000 U.S. adults, conducted by Kantar and released by Abbott on Thursday, shows that 74% hold that view, while only 25% feel very confident in their health care knowledge.
Three in four U.S. adults live with at least one chronic condition, according to the CDC, and rates continue climbing, another CDC report shows. More than half of U.S. adults have two or more chronic conditions.
Respondents cited information overload, confusion, and costs as barriers to good health.
Key findings include 65% who delayed or skipped health actions due to overwhelm or cost; 46% who found guidance confusing, with 58% of that group citing conflicting sources; and 61% who believed they should do more for their health.
“Healthy living shouldn’t feel like a full-time job,” said Dominique Williams, MD, MPH, Nutrition Medical Director at Abbott. “The data shows people are overwhelmed and unsure how to act, but the good news is the basics still work. Simple, consistent habits around movement, nutrition, and preventive care can make a difference.”
Millennials reported feeling the healthiest at 65% but showed the highest worry: half fear chronic disease, exceeding other generations, and 58% said they could do more.
Gen Z respondents turned to digital tools, seeking health advice from AI as often as from family or friends (12%). Sixty-nine percent used health trackers or apps recently; 93% of those noted positive habit changes and 58% lasting ones, topping other groups.
Ninety-six percent agreed that good nutrition prevents chronic disease, though only 30% described their diets as very healthy, and 42% deemed healthy food too costly.
Nearly all parents surveyed, 94%, said children’s habits will shape adult health; 71% worried about kids developing chronic disease; almost 90% felt pressure to model habits, but over 40% admitted inconsistency.
Abbott recently teamed with Sesame Workshop on a global program offering free multilingual resources, such as storybooks, videos, and activities featuring Sesame Street characters, to build family routines around nutrition, movement, and sleep. Resources appear at Sesame.org/HealthyHabits.
“As a global healthcare company that works every day to help people live healthier, we want to emphasize the simple, science-based healthy habits from daily movement, sleep, and good nutrition that can help lower the risk of chronic disease,” Williams said. “With many of those surveyed confused by conflicting and changing advice, it’s important to trust the experts, and when it comes to your health, focus on small, attainable goals that make a real difference in long-term well-being.”
Abbott, with expertise in nutrition, diabetes care, cancer diagnostics, and cardiovascular health, supports community efforts including Future Well Communities, Future Well Kids, Real Madrid Foundation, Sesame Workshop, and Healthy Food Rx in Stockton, California.
Williams suggested starting with nutritious additions like colorful produce, legumes, and nuts; daily movement such as 10-minute walks; self-care routines; tracking sleep, hydration, and activity; and annual checkups.
Expert articles, along with information on Abbott programs and survey data, are available at Abbott.com/HealthyHabits.
