Lifestyle Risk Factors for Chronic Disease: Evidence-Based List

Modifiable lifestyle factors driving NCDs (cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, respiratory):

1. Physical inactivity – <150 min moderate/week.
2. Unhealthy diet – high sodium, saturated/trans fat, added sugar, red/processed meat; low fruit, veg, whole grains, nuts, fiber.
3. Tobacco use – any form (smoking, vaping, smokeless).
4. Harmful alcohol use – >2 drinks/day (men), >1 (women); binge drinking.
5. Obesity (central) – BMI ≥30 or waist >102 cm (M) / >88 cm (F).
6. Insufficient sleep – <7 hrs/night consistently.
7. Chronic psychosocial stress – unmanaged.
8. Social isolation – loneliness equivalent to smoking mortality risk.

Addressing these reduces population NCD burden by up to 80% (WHO).