Which Companies Are shaping America’s Health? The 2024 Building H Index Reveals Surprising Insights
When we think about health, we often focus on hospitals, drug companies, or fitness brands. But what about the everyday products and services we use? From fast food chains like McDonald’s to entertainment giants like Netflix, these companies play a notable role in shaping our health behaviors—and, ultimately, our well-being.The 2024 Building H Index, a groundbreaking report by the nonprofit Public Health Institute, sheds light on how 75+ popular products and services across four industries impact our health.
The Hidden Health Impacts of Everyday Products
Our daily behaviors—how we eat, sleep, move, and socialize—are deeply influenced by the products and services we use. fast food, as an example, is often high in calories, sodium, and added sugars, contributing to diet-related illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Binge-watching TV can lead to physical inactivity, poor sleep, and unhealthy snacking. Even the rise of online delivery services can foster social isolation and loneliness. Over time, these behaviors can lead to chronic diseases, costing hundreds of billions annually in treatment.
Yet, companies currently lack strong incentives to design products that promote health. Consumer product regulation focuses on safety—banning products that are toxic or dangerous. But this approach fails to address the cumulative impact of using multiple products over time. “No one develops diabetes after eating a single meal at a fast food restaurant,” the report notes. “People can, though, get sick from eating 25% of their calories from fast food restaurants for 10 years.”
Introducing the Building H Index
The 2024 Building H Index evaluates products and services across the entertainment, food, housing, and transportation industries based on their impact on five key health behaviors: eating, physical activity, sleep, social engagement, and time spent outdoors. Companies like Apple,doordash,TikTok,GM,Uber,Burger King,and Nintendo were included in the analysis.
Researchers examined scientific literature, conducted consumer surveys, and engaged nearly 200 volunteers from the public health, healthcare, and health policy communities to score each product. Scores ranged from 0 (strong negative impact) to 100 (strong positive impact), wiht 50 representing a neutral effect.
Key Findings: Winners and Losers
The top scorer was Culdesac, a real estate developer that created a car-free community in Arizona, emphasizing outdoor social spaces and recreation, with a score of 82. At the bottom was Netflix,scoring just 18 due to its negative impact on all five behaviors.
| Company | Industry | score | Key Insights |
|——————–|——————-|———–|———————————————————————————-|
| Culdesac | housing | 82 | Promotes outdoor activity and social engagement in a car-free community. |
| Netflix | Entertainment | 18 | Negatively impacts all five health behaviors, including sleep and physical activity. |
| Fast Food Chains | Food | Low | Contribute to diet-related illnesses through high-calorie, high-sodium offerings. |
| Social Media | Entertainment | Low | Linked to reduced social engagement and increased feelings of loneliness. |
The Role of Technology and AI
One of the most urgent concerns highlighted by the report is the role of technology,notably artificial intelligence (AI). “Too frequently enough, technology is being used to make unhealthy behaviors easier or to push greater consumption,” the report states. From algorithms that encourage binge-watching to apps that promote fast food delivery, cutting-edge technology is often harnessed to reinforce unhealthy habits.
A Call to Action for Policymakers
The Building H index underscores the need for public policies that hold companies accountable for their impact on public health. By creating incentives for positive health outcomes—or at least mitigating negative ones—policymakers can help shift the focus from short-term profits to long-term well-being.
As we navigate an era of epidemic chronic diseases, the choices we make—and the products we use—matter more than ever. The 2024 Building H Index serves as a wake-up call, urging us to rethink how everyday products shape our health and to demand better from the companies that influence our lives.
