U.S. Physicians Set Good Health Example

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Physicians in the United States are in better health and have better health habits compared with nurses and the employed adult population, suggesting Americans should do more than take advice from their physicians -- they can also look to them as an example for healthy living. Physicians score better on the Gallup-Healthways Physical Health Index and Healthy Behaviors Index.

These data, collected as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, encompass interviews with 1,984 physicians and 7,166 nurses, conducted Jan. 2, 2011 to Aug. 31, 2012. The Physical Health Index includes 18 items, which measure the number sick days in the past month, disease burden, health problems that get in the way of normal activities, obesity, feeling well-rested, daily energy, daily colds, daily flu, and daily headaches. The Healthy Behavior Index includes four items: smoking, eating healthy, weekly consumption of fruits and vegetables, and weekly exercise frequency.

The differences in the index scores between physicians and the rest of the employed population hold true after controlling for income. The Physical Health Index differences between physicians and the rest of the employed population also hold true after controlling for education, however, the Healthy Behavior Index differences do not. Holding education levels constant, physicians score on par with the rest of the adult employed population, indicating that it is education broadly, not being a physician per se, that plays a role in one's health habits.

Physicians Make Healthier Choices

Physicians are less likely to smoke and are more likely to eat healthy and exercise frequently than are nurses and the employed adult population. Less than 5% of physicians smoke compared with 15% of nurses and 20% of other workers.

Fifty-eight percent of physicians exercise three or more days per week, more than the 54% of adults in the rest of the employed population who do the same. Physicians are also more likely than those in the employed adult population to say they ate healthy all day "yesterday" and to report eating a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables.

After controlling for education, physicians only outperform nurses and other workers in terms of smoking -- those who are highly educated in each group are equally likely to exercise and eat healthy.

Physicians Less Likely to Be Obese, Report Fewer Chronic Health Problems

Physicians are much less likely than nurses and other adult workers to be obese -- 13% vs. 25%. Likely related to their healthier weight, physicians are also significantly less likely than employed adults in general to say they have ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes -- two conditions linked to obesity. However, physicians are as likely as others to have high cholesterol and to have had a heart attack.

Cancer is the one health metric that physicians are more likely than other adults to report. Whether this reflects environmental and lifestyle factors unique to doctors, doctors' greater awareness of the warning signs, or a higher vigilance on their part about getting screened, is unclear.

Bottom Line

Physicians report having better physical health and health habits than either nurses or other workers. This partly reflects higher-educated Americans' performance on these measures more broadly; nevertheless, physicians set a good example for their patients. As primary healthcare providers, physicians play an important role in helping others understand how to lead healthy lives. Thus, the fact they are in relatively good shape reveals that most of them are well-positioned to teach their patients how to maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk for chronic disease.

As the United States continues to deal with high levels of obesity and related chronic conditions, it faces significant health and financial difficulties -- putting a substantial strain on the healthcare system. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), "obesity is associated with such health problems as an increased risk for coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, various types of cancer, gallstones, and disability," which leads to higher use of healthcare services and greater costs. USPSTF now recommends that physicians screen all adults for obesity. These new guidelines increase physicians' responsibility to ensure that their patients are maintaining a healthy weight and healthy habits, making it even more important for physicians to continue setting a good example.