![]() ![]() The analyses incorporated both the stratification and clustering aspects of the sampling design. To account for the complex sample design used in the NHANES, SUDAAN software (RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC) was used for all analyses. 18 To be consistent with previous studies, the 4 healthy habits were defined as engaging in physical activity >12 times a month, being a nonsmoker, consuming ≥5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and drinking alcohol in moderation. 17 Moderate alcohol consumption was defined as more than 0 but no more than 1 drink a day for women and up to 2 drinks a day for men, according to current guidelines of the US Department of Agriculture. Physical activity was divided into 2 frequency groups (0–12 and >12 times per month), a division consistent with national recommendations at the time of the NHANES III. 16 The average time spent exercising and level of intensity of participants' exercise were not analyzed. These activities included walking, jogging or running, riding a bicycle or exercise bicycle, swimming, aerobic exercise, aerobic dancing, regular dancing, calisthenics, garden or yard work, weightlifting, or other similar activities. Level of physical activity was determined according to the frequency of participation in leisure-time physical activities within the previous month. Intake of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day was obtained by using the healthy eating index dataset, which contains data on the number of servings of food consumed by survey participants. Smoking status was determined by self-report of whether the individual currently smoked cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. The study focuses on this age range of the adult population because alcohol consumption is illegal in the United States among individuals younger than 21 years of age. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between healthy lifestyle habits (consumption of ≥5 servings of fruits or vegetable/day, regular exercise >12 times per month, moderate alcohol consumption, and not smoking) and all-cause mortality in US adults 21 years of age and older. 1, 10, 11 These findings may be of particular importance given that fewer than 1 in 5 Americans who attempt to lose weight are successful in maintaining weight loss over time. 9įortunately, regardless of an individual's BMI, adherence to healthy lifestyle habits seems to decrease the risk of premature mortality. 7, 8 In addition to increasing morbidity and mortality, obesity is a major financial strain on both individuals and society, with the direct annual medical costs estimated to be in excess of $147 billion dollars. ![]() 3 Obesity increases the risk of illnesses such as coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep apnea, and several types of cancer. 6 By even the most conservative estimates, obesity is responsible for more than 80,000 deaths annually. 3 – 5 The increased risk of mortality associated with obesity is of considerable concern because more than 33% of American adults are categorized as obese (body mass index ≥30). 3, 4 Though the evidence for the risk of being overweight is mixed, most studies find no increased risk of mortality among overweight people. 1, 2Ī large body of epidemiologic evidence suggests that obesity is an independent risk factor for early mortality. ![]() Though the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices are well established among the general population, less is known about the relative benefit of healthy habits among obese versus normal weight and overweight individuals. In an effort to reduce premature morbidity and mortality, public health officials and health care providers have stressed the critical importance of adherence to a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising regularly, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, avoiding or quitting smoking, and consuming alcohol in moderation. Conclusions: Healthy lifestyle habits are associated with a significant decrease in mortality regardless of baseline body mass index.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |