MedicineNet defines a lifestyle disease as “a disease associated with the way a person or group of people lives.” That definition is a little vague to start with, but let’s get into a couple specific lifestyle diseases and how they can impact a person’s lifestyle factors.
Lifestyle factors are generally the non-genetic habits and choices we make each day when going about our routines. This can include what you eat, how much you exercise, how you sleep, and alcohol and drug usage.
Obesity is a prevalent lifestyle disease in America. According to the most recent results from the CDC, the rate of obesity in America is now over 40 percent.
To determine if a person is obese or not, it is necessary to look at their body mass index (BMI). BMI can be calculated by taking your weight in pounds, dividing that by your height in inches squared, then multiplying this number by 703. If a person’s BMI is 30 or higher, they are considered obese.
While obesity can relate back to genetics, it is also affected by lifestyle choices. Some choices that can contribute to obesity are an unhealthy diet or inactivity. Other factors that can contribute to obesity are:
- Medications
- Social and economic issues
- Age
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
Not only can obesity cause serious health problems–like type 2 diabetes or heart disease–but it can impact a person’s quality of life by contributing to depression, disability, guilt, and even social isolation.
Heart disease is another serious lifestyle disease that is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and heart attack are all examples of heart disease.
Most of us know that common symptoms of heart disease are chest pain and shortness of breath. Nausea, sweating, weakness, palpitations, and indigestion are also symptoms to look out for.
So what exactly causes heart disease? It occurs when there is damage to the heart, coronary arteries, or there is a lack of proper nutrition and oxygen to the heart. These lifestyle choices may increase your chances for heart disease:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Bad diet
Those who suffer from heart disease understand how much it can affect your life. This lifestyle disease can create depression and anxiety, may require cardiac rehabilitation and medication, and usually results in receiving routine assessments.
Since lifestyle diseases are greatly impacted by our daily choices and habits, there are numerous measures we can take to prevent these diseases before they become serious problems:
- Eat well
- Exercise regularly
- Limit or avoid alcoholic intake
- Reduce stress
- Get regular medical checkups
Whether you already have a lifestyle disease or you want to prevent yourself from ever experiencing lifestyle diseases, it’s never too late to take proactive measures! A healthy body and mind go a long way for overall well-being and happiness.
Sources
https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=38316
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db360.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htm
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-symptoms#1
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237191#causes
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Lifestyle_prevention_Does_it_work_And_why