2.3.3 Lifestyle & Non-Communicable Diseases

The Impact of Non-Communicable Diseases:

• Human and Financial Costs: NCDs are a leading cause of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. The consequences are far-reaching, often placing an emotional and financial burden on families and communities. The cost of treating these diseases, along with the associated research, places a significant financial strain on healthcare systems and economies.
• Global Impact: The impact of NCDs is not limited to individuals or nations. When these diseases affect working-age populations, they can reduce productivity and hinder economic growth on a global scale.

Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases:

Risk factors for NCDs can be related to lifestyle choices, environmental exposure, or substances within the body.

• Lifestyle Factors: These include habits such as diet, physical activity, and smoking. For example, consuming a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Environmental Factors: These include exposure to harmful substances like asbestos fibres (a material once used in construction) or ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, both of which can contribute to disease.
• Substances in the Body: Certain substances, such as high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart disease.

Correlation and Causation:

• Correlation: When two factors increase or decrease together, they are said to be correlated. For instance, a high-fat diet is correlated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Causation: To establish a cause-and-effect relationship, scientists must identify a causal mechanism—an explanation of how one factor directly influences another. For example, the causal mechanism between smoking and lung cancer is the damage smoking causes to lung cells, leading to cancer.

Examples of Non-Communicable Diseases and Their Risk Factors:

1. Cardiovascular Disease:

• A diet high in LDL (bad) cholesterol can lead to blocked arteries and increased blood pressure.
• Smoking damages the walls of arteries, contributing to heart disease.
• Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart.

2. Type 2 Diabetes:

• Obesity interferes with the body's metabolism. Excess fat can release molecules into the bloodstream that impair the cells' ability to absorb sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels.

3. Liver and Brain Function:

• Excessive alcohol consumption can cause fatty liver, which may progress to liver failure.
• Alcohol can also damage nerve cells in the brain, affecting cognitive function.

4. Lung Disease and Lung Cancer:

• Smoking damages the cells lining the lungs, increasing the risk of chronic lung disease and lung cancer.

5. Pregnancy:

• Smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have harmful effects on the unborn child, including low birth weight and developmental issues.

6. Cancer:

• Carcinogens, such as ionising radiation and certain chemicals, can damage DNA and lead to the development of cancers.