Do lifestyle interventions work in beating non-communicable diseases?
By Chukwuma Muanya CROSS-SECTIONAL and prospective studies have shown that the prevalence and incidence of many chronic conditions, including obesity, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and certain cancers, are increased by unhealthy lifestyles, particularly an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking and stress. However, a recent study indicates that lifestyle modification is extremely important in reducing the burden of chronic diseases. CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes. A RECENT study suggests that community lifestyle interventions can help reverse the epidemic of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, obesity, among others. According to the research published in this month’s edition of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Bulletin, lifestyle interventions can significantly improve the diet and levels of physical activity of entire communities. The research conducted in the Islamic Republic of Iran shows that campaigns promoting a healthy lifesty
