What are lifestyle diseases?

Lifestyle diseases are chronic conditions that are caused or worsened by certain behaviors and lifestyle choices, including:

- Unhealthy diet (e.g., excessive intake of processed foods, saturated fats, sugar, and salt)

- Physical inactivity

- Tobacco smoking

- Excessive alcohol consumption

- Stress

- Sleep deprivation

Common lifestyle diseases include:

- Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart disease stroke)

- Type 2 diabetes

- Obesity

- Some types of cancer (e.g., lung cancer, colorectal cancer)

- Metabolic syndrome

- Asthma

- Chronic kidney disease

- Liver cirrhosis

- Osteoporosis

- Depression

- Anxiety disorders

Reducing the risk of developing lifestyle diseases involve adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as:

- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

- Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week)

-Quitting smoking

-Moderate alcohol consumption (or abstinence)

-Managing stress

-Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours per night for adults)

Incorporating these healthy habits into daily life helps individuals maintain a healthy weight, keep chronic diseases at bay, and improve overall well-being and quality of life. Preventive measures, including regular health check-ups and screenings, early detection and intervention, lifestyle modifications, and behavioral change interventions are crucial for the management and prevention of lifestyle diseases.