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Wellness

WHO Identifies World's Leading Health Hazards

 

The global health burden caused by tobacco use has nearly doubled in the last 10 years in the world.

 

Under nutrition and poor nutrition is the single leading global cause of health loss.

 

 What risk factors contribute most to the burden of disease in the world? This is the task a recent World Health Organization (WHO) research team began investigating. Causes vary, of course, depending on the degree of development of the country. Here is a brief report of what the WHO committee found.

In most developed countries, here are the leading health hazards in terms of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) in decreasing order of importance:

  • Tobacco use
  • High blood pressure
  • Alcohol
  • High cholesterol
  • Overweight
  • A low intake of fruits and vegetables
  • Physical inactivity
  • Illicit drug use
  • Unsafe sex

This list differs differs significantly from health hazards in the least developed countries:

  • Underweight (malnourished, inadequate food)
  • Unsafe sex
  • Unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Indoor smoke from solid fuels
  • Zinc deficiency
  • Iron deficiency
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • High blood pressure
  • Tobacco use
  • High cholesterol

To improve the health of a nation in the context of limited resources, you need a strategy that emphasizes prevention to reduce the burden of disease rather than just treating disease (such as AIDS or lung cancer). The WHO report states that the treatment of disease will always have a place, but a greater emphasis and commitment in funding prevention could greatly reduce the loss of healthy life in most nations.

 

 

Reference

1. Ludwig DS et al, Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity, The Lancet  Feb 17, 2001; 367:505-08


Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Copyrighted 2002 by PrevMedix LLC. All rights reserved. Do not make unauthorized copies.

Updated: 12/17/02