Lifestyle Disease: Prevention and Risk Reduction

Lifestyle Disease: Prevention and Risk Reduction

Lifestyle disorders are diseases that occur majorly on the basis of living habits and lifestyle. A World Economic Forum report says India will suffer a loss of more than $200 billion due to improper diets and lifestyle. The good news: lifestyle diseases are reversible and can be prevented from causing serious damage to overall health.

Common Lifestyle Disorders

The most frequently observed lifestyle disorders are diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are driven by low physical activity, poor food habits, disturbed sleeping patterns, competitive living, and incorrect body posture.

Complications

• Diabetes — high chance of developing cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, nerve damage, and diabetic retinopathy

• Hypertension — associated with congestive cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, and kidney failure

• COPD — difficulty breathing, confusion, and lung infections

• Obesity — increases risk for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and gallstones

• Osteoporosis — bones become too thin and breakable, increasing risk for fractures

The Relationship Between Genes and Environment

The relationship between genes and environment is complicated, intricate, and multi-factorial. Knowing your complete genetic profile will help you delay the onset of any lifestyle disease — or totally prevent it — by taking actionable steps towards a healthy diet and active lifestyle. By understanding your genetic profile, you can prevent a large number of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases through lifestyle interventions.