Lifestyle Diseases

Definition

Lifestyle diseases are health conditions that are primarily based on the day-to-day habits and lifestyle choices of people. These include illnesses like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer which are influenced by factors such as diet, physical activity, and exposure to stress.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Lifestyle diseases encompass a range of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that arise from predominantly modifiable behaviors and are driven by unhealthy living patterns. These include excessive consumption of high-calorie and nutrient-poor foods, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, and chronic stress. Over time, these behaviors lead to physiological changes contributing to metabolic, cardiovascular, or oncological health issues.

Benefits

• Understanding lifestyle diseases can help in the prevention and management of these conditions through tailored lifestyle modifications.
• Improving diet and increasing physical activity levels can significantly reduce the risk of developing such diseases.

Examples

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Obesity
• Hypertension

Additional Information

• Effects: Lifestyle diseases can significantly impact quality of life and longevity. They account for a high percentage of healthcare costs and are among the leading causes of death globally.

Related Terms

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Metabolic Syndrome

References

• World Health Organization: Noncommunicable Diseases
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Disease Overview