The Crisis

Chronic Disease Risk Factors & Causes

Reducing risk factors and treating causes will lower the incidence of chronic disease.

Experts believe that the likelihood of developing chronic disease may be influenced by a range of factors including family health history, level of education, level of health care awareness, access to quality health care, economic status, and many others.

For many Americans, poor health habits – such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition – greatly contribute to the risk of developing a chronic disease.

The good news is that many chronic diseases can be prevented, delayed, or alleviated through simple changes in behavior.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates eliminating three risk factors – poor diet, inactivity, and smoking – would prevent:

80% of heart disease and stroke
80% of type 2 diabetes
40% of cancer

Obesity

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 30% of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older – more than 60 million people – are obese. People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) over 30 have an increased risk of developing chronic disease, including:

Hypertension
Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

Health risks related to obesity can be reduced through proper nutrition and physical activity. However, many Americans are not following a healthy diet. The American Cancer Society reports that more than three-quarters (76.8%) of adults eat less than five fruits and vegetables a day.

Many Americans are also not active. CDC research indicates that the direct medical costs associated with physical inactivity totaled nearly $76.6 billion in 2000, and studies show that almost a quarter of Americans do not participate in ANY physical activities.

Smoking

Smoking adversely affects nearly every organ in the body. Research shows that while smoking often leads to various types of cancers, smokers also are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness and other health problems.

Despite known risks, one in five American adults identifies themselves as a current smoker.