Lifestyle and Health: Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases

Lifestyle and Health: Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases

  • Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases that cannot be passed from person to person, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease.
  • Risk factors can be lifestyle-related, such as smoking, alcohol, diet and physical activity, or genetics.
  • Certain lifestyles and behaviours can increase the likelihood of developing an NCD. These include:
    • Smoking: This significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and a range of cancers.
    • Alcohol: Excessive drinking can lead to liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular issues and other health problems.
    • Unhealthy Diet: Consuming foods high in fat, salt and sugar can lead to obesity, heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes and some cancers.
    • Inactivity: Lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke.
  • Genetics can also be a risk factor for NCDs. Some people have inherited traits from their parents that can increase their risk of certain diseases.
  • Health can be impacted by socio-economic factors: people living in deprived areas often have less access to healthy foods and safe places to exercise, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.
  • Some risk factors can interact to increase the likelihood of developing an NCD, for example smoking and asbestos exposure both increase the risk of lung cancer but together they greatly increase the risk.
  • Risk factors can have a cumulative effect on health - the longer a person is exposed to a risk factor, the greater their risk of developing an NCD.
  • It’s important to remember that having a risk factor does not guarantee that a person will develop an NCD, it only increases their chances. Lifestyle changes can significantly decrease these risks.
  • Taking preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding tobacco, can help reduce the risk of NCDs.