Obesity considered the leading cause of preventable death
A team of researchers specifically examined the causes of mortality related to “modifiable” behaviour. Obesity is a behavior that can be modified, just like smoking for example. But obesity, not surprisingly, is more deadly than diabetes, smoking, hypertention or cholesterol. Overview of what was said during the annual meeting of the Society of General Internal Medicine (April 2017), in the United States (Washington D.C.)
Obesity, worse than diabetes or tobacco?
A team of researchers from theCleveland ClinicandNew York University School of Medicinefound that obesity leads toa loss of life expectancy 47% higher than smokingor high blood pressure. Obesity is therefore more deadly.
The work presented by theCleveland Clinicat this annual meeting was based on 2014 data for the U.S. population only.
Based on this preliminary work, the team ranked the modifiable behaviors that had the greatest impact on life expectancy. In order (worst to worse):
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Tobacco
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
However, the researchers also noted that some people may be in more particular cases. For anobese and alcoholic patient, for example, it may be best to first solve the alcohol problem which can have an even greater impact than obesity itself. This (previous) list is therefore representative of an average and most cases, but not necessarily of all individualized cases.
The researchers specify that 15 years ago, tobacco would be at the top of the list, but this is no longer the case (because of the policies against cigarettes, and probably because of the rise of obesity around the world).
Additional clarifications from researchers
« Modifiable behavioral risk factors pose a huge mortality burden in the United States,” said Glen Taksler, Ph.D., an internal medicine researcher at theCleveland Clinicand lead author of the study. “These preliminary findings continue to underscore theimportance of weight loss, diabetes management, and healthy eating in the U.S. population.”
What is particularly interesting to note is that three (diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol) of the five leading causes of death can be treated, helping patients understand how options and approaches canhave a big impact on life years. The findings also highlight the importance of preventive care in clinical practice and why it should be a priority for physicians.
To estimate the number of years of life lost for each modifiable risk factor, the researchers examine the variation in mortality on the basis of a sample of the American population having eliminated a single risk factor. They then compare the results with the variation in years of life for an “optimal” population (which has eliminated all modifiable risk factors ).
” The reality is that while we can know the immediate cause of a patient’s death, for example, breast cancer or heart attack, we don’t always know the contributing factor, such as smoking, obesity, alcohol and family history.” . Dr. Taksler and his colleagues are continuing their research in this area and refining the results.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.