Spain vs USA: Health and Lifestyle Breakdown
Why Spain Lives Longer Than the U.S.
Spain consistently ranks among the highest in Europe for life expectancy—nearly 84 years on average. The U.S., on the other hand, is going in the opposite direction. Despite all its resources, the country has seen a steady decline in life expectancy in recent years.
After spending time in both places—living in the U.S. (my wife’s home country), travelling through various Spanish cities, and currently living right by the Spanish border in Portugal—I’ve started to notice some patterns.
This isn’t meant to be a scientific breakdown. It’s personal, observational, and based on lived experience. But I think it might help you see how your surroundings can influence your health, even without you realising it.
1. Walkable Cities Make a Huge Difference
One of the first things you notice in Spain is how walkable everything is. Whether you're in Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, or a small coastal town, it’s easy to get around on foot. Streets are narrower, parking is limited, and public transport is better. Combine that with decent weather most of the year, and you’re just more likely to move.
Contrast that with the U.S., where many cities are built for cars, not people. Even basic short-distance errands can mean hopping in the car. Over time, that difference adds up—not because people in the U.S. are lazy, but because their environment nudges them that way.
2. Slower, More Social Eating
In Spain, meals are a social event. It’s normal to sit down with friends or family for lunch, chat, take your time, and enjoy the experience.
This slower pace does a few powerful things:
It gives your body time to register fullness
It reduces stress through social connection
And it turns eating into something mindful—not rushed
In the U.S., meals often happen in cars, at desks, on the go, or while multitasking. That does happen in Spain too, but from what I’ve seen, it’s far more frequent in the States. The contrast might sound small, but the effects over a lifetime are anything but.
3. The Mediterranean Diet Is the Real Deal
Forget the latest diet trend on TikTok (ahem Carnivore zealots ahem). The Mediterranean diet has been studied extensively, and there’s a reason it’s often linked to longevity.
It’s built around olive oil, legumes, grains, vegetables, seafood, and some dairy. It’s not restrictive, it’s just balanced and does well to emphasise foods you should eat. So, you eat well and enjoy your food.
Protein, in particular, plays a big role in staying fuller for longer, supporting muscle, and making fat loss easier. If you're unsure how to get more of it into your day, grab my free Protein Cheat Sheet here.
4. Smaller Portion Sizes (That Still Satisfy)
This one hit me hard the first time I went to a diner in the U.S. The portion sizes were enormous—enough to feed two people, sometimes three.
In Spain, food is flavourful, but generally speaking, portion control is much more sensible. You eat what you need, not just what looks good on Instagram. It’s easier to feel satisfied without slipping into a cycle of consistent overeating.
5. Siesta Culture (Even If It’s Fading)
The mid-day siesta isn’t as common now as it once was. In larger cities, most people don’t actually go home to nap. But the cultural emphasis on rest and balance still lingers.
Shops closing mid-afternoon and slower work hours in some areas? That sticks. And it likely contributed to the long-term wellbeing statistics we’re seeing now.
Compare that to the U.S., where people often glorify being overworked, running on caffeine, and bragging about sleeping five hours a night.
It’s not hard to see which lifestyle wears people down quicker.
6. Universal Healthcare
Here’s a big one.
Spain has universal healthcare, meaning people can access medical care without worrying about astronomical bills or whether their insurance covers it.
In the U.S., millions skip check-ups, delay treatments, or avoid going to the doctor entirely—not because they don’t care, but because it can financially ruin them.
Preventative care makes a difference. Access matters. And when healthcare is a right, not a privilege, people tend to live longer.
7. Fewer Guns. Fewer Tragedies.
It’s uncomfortable to bring up, but it matters. Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the U.S.—especially among young people. In Spain, it’s almost unheard of. The number of firearms per person is drastically lower, and so is the rate of violent death.
This isn’t the whole picture, of course. But it is part of why life expectancy differs so drastically.
8. Obesity Rates Paint a Clear Picture
Over 40% of U.S. adults are classified as obese. In Spain, the rate is far lower.
This isn’t about blame or willpower. It goes back to everything above:
Smaller portions
Slower meals
Better food access
Stronger healthcare support
The result? A population that moves more, eats more mindfully, and carries fewer weight-related health risks.
So, What Can We Learn?
I’m not Spanish. I’m not American either. I’ve just lived in both places—and seen, firsthand, how much where you livecan shape your habits.
Spain doesn’t have it all figured out. But they’ve built an environment where the healthy choice is often the easiest one.
In contrast, being healthy in many parts of the U.S. requires going against your environment. You have to be intentional. You have to work harder.
That’s not fair. But it’s the reality.
The good news? You can still take control. Even if your environment makes it more difficult, your habits are still yours to build.
If you want help with that—especially around fat loss, nutrition, and building habits that last—then sign up for my free 14-Day Fat Loss Kickstarter by clicking here.
It’s practical. It’s honest. And it’s designed to help you make progress, no matter where you live.
Speak soon,
Leo
