What is the primary cause of preventable deaths in the United States?

The primary cause of preventable deaths in the United States is smoking. Smoking has been extensively studied and is linked to a range of serious health conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is estimated that smoking contributes to over 480,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making it a major public health concern.

While diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption also play significant roles in health outcomes, smoking's pervasive impact on multiple organ systems and its role as a leading risk factor for various diseases establish it as the top contributor to preventable mortality. Efforts to reduce smoking rates through public health campaigns and tobacco control policies have been instrumental in improving health outcomes and reducing preventable deaths.