We're No. 1.
No, not in the arts or sciences.
In obesity, healthcare costs, birth expenses, energy use and defense spending.
--America, the land of the brave and free, has the fattest citizens in the world; 35.7 percent of adults and 17 percent of children are obese.
--Despite the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. still spends more money per person on health care--about $5,700 annually.
Most medical services, materials, technologies and drugs are more expensive here than in other industrialized countries.
--Having an American baby costs $37,341--$6,257 for prenatal care, $18,136 for the birth, $528 for post partum care and $12,429 for newborn care.
--America leads in the amount of energy use per person. It's No. 1 in electricity and oil consumption and No. 2 (behind China) in coal consumption.
--And then there's the annual spending for defense and security--$718 billion, plus $127 billion for veterans benefits. (25 MAY 2014)
