Health Risk Behaviors

A multi-level regression and post-stratification approach was applied to BRFSS and ACS data to compute a detailed probability among adults who report having ≥5 drinks (men) or ≥4 drinks (women) on ≥1 occasion during the previous 30 days. The probability was then applied to the detailed population estimates at the appropriate geographic level to generate the prevalence. The 95% confidence interval was derived using Monte Carlo simulation. Detailed methods are available here.

Prevalence (crude and age-adjusted)

In 2022, the age-standardized binge drinking prevalence among adults was 17.7%.1 Binge drinking prevalence was significantly higher among men (21.7%) than among women (13.8%) and was highest among non-Hispanic White adults (20.0%).1 Previously, higher binge drinking prevalence has been observed among adults with higher annual household incomes, those who were never married or were divorced/separated/widowed, younger adults, and veterans.2 Binge drinking prevalence was significantly higher among adults with a college degree than among adults with less than a high school diploma.2 States with higher binge drinking prevalence estimates cluster in the Midwest and Northeast.1 Excessive drinking —which includes binge drinking —is associated with many health problems including unintentional injuries, violence, sexually transmitted diseases, poor pregnancy outcomes, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and chronic diseases (e.g., high blood pressure, cancer).3 Evidence-based alcohol policies, such as those recommended in the Community Guide, can be effective in preventing excessive alcohol use, including binge drinking.4

The measure does not convey the frequency or intensity of binge drinking or the specific amount of alcohol consumed, all of which affect the risks of alcohol-related harms.

Healthy People 2030 objective: SU-10. Reduce the proportion of people aged 21 years and over who engaged in binge drinking in the past month.

All Adults

A multi-level regression and post-stratification approach was applied to BRFSS and ACS data to compute a detailed probability among adults who report having smoked ≥ 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoke every day or some days. The probability was then applied to the detailed population estimates at the appropriate geographic level to generate the prevalence. The 95% confidence interval was derived using Monte Carlo simulation. Detailed methods are available here.

Prevalence (crude and age-adjusted)

Current

More than 480,000 deaths each year are attributed to cigarette smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke, making it the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.5 In 2021, 11.5% of adults currently smoked cigarettes.6 Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, multiple types of cancer, and chronic lung disease.7 Quitting smoking is beneficial to health at any age, reduces the risk of premature death, and can add as much as 10 years to life expectancy.78

This measure does not convey the lifetime or current number of cigarettes smoked. Each of these factors can affect the risk of acquiring chronic disease from smoking cigarettes. Additionally, the indicator does not measure intent or attempts to quit smoking among smokers or exposure to secondhand smoke among nonsmokers.

Healthy People 2030 objective: TU-02. Reduce current cigarette smoking in adults.

All Adults

A multi-level regression and post-stratification approach was applied to BRFSS and ACS data to compute a detailed probability of having no leisure-time physical activity (reporting ‘No’ to the question: “During the past month, other than your regular job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise?”). The probability was then applied to the detailed population estimates at the appropriate geographic level to generate the prevalence. The 95% confidence interval was derived using Monte Carlo simulation. Detailed methods are available here.

Prevalence (crude and age-adjusted)

Past month

Regular physical activity can improve the health and quality of life of Americans of all ages, regardless of the presence of a chronic disease or disability.9 Among adults and older adults, physical activity can lower the risk of early death, coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, falls, and depression.9 The second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans states that adults should move more and sit less throughout the day. Some physical activity is better than none. Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits.9 Despite the benefits, in 2023, 24.5% of adults reported engaging in no leisure-time physical activity.10

This measure captures information only about non-occupational physical activity.

Healthy People 2030 objective: PA-01. Reduce the proportion of adults who do no physical activity in their free time.

All Adults

A multi-level regression and post-stratification approach was applied to BRFSS and ACS data to compute a detailed probability among adults who report usually getting insufficient sleep duration (<7 hours, on average, during a 24-hour period).11 The probability was then applied to the detailed population estimates at the appropriate geographic level to generate the prevalence. The 95% confidence interval was derived using Monte Carlo simulation. Detailed methods are available here.

Prevalence (crude and age-adjusted)

Average 24-hour period

In 2022, 37% of United States adults reported insufficient sleep duration (<7 hours for those aged ≥18 years, on average, during a 24-hour period).12 Insufficient sleep duration is associated with an increased risk of a number of chronic conditions—such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, anxiety, and depression.11 Insufficient sleep duration can also cause motor vehicle crashes, industrial errors, and medical errors causing substantial injury and disability each year.1113 Keeping a consistent sleep schedule, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, and limiting bright light exposure in the evenings are some of the ways to improve sleep.14

This measure does not convey variation in sleep duration (for instance, weekday vs. weekend sleep) or quality of sleep. Both might affect the risk for chronic disease. Indicator does not identify specific sleep problems, such as sleep disordered breathing, which are associated with different chronic conditions. This measure is part of the rotating core and is administered in even years.

Healthy People 2030 objective: SH-03. Increase the proportion of adults who get enough sleep duration.