Report: Life expectancy in the U.S. is shrinking

(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Credit: Dan Kitwood

Credit: Dan Kitwood

(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The average life expectancy of an American is getting shorter, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

A new report from the NCHS reveals that eight of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. have increased, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Now an average American is expected to live 78 years and nine months---which is a month shorter than before, according to WPTV.

"We've been living longer, but not healthier in my view,"  said Dr. Charles Hennekens to WPTV.  "The chief culprits remain cigarettes, obesity and physical inactivity."

Hennekens said that although there are more medications to help cure diseases, it's "not enough to stem the rising tide of our poor lifestyle habits," WPTV reports.