Role of Diet and Lifestyle on Individual Health: A Global Public Health Concern

Abstract

Diet and Lifestyle disorders have been a major public health threat in the present world. In contrast to the advancement in scientific and technological sphere, the diet and lifestyle of individual has witnessed a drastic anomaly, compromising the requisites of good health. The fast paced society has often provoked unhealthy lifestyle (ie smoking, drinking etc) and more often skipping the habits for remaining fit (ie physical activity). Simultaneously, there is an increase in uptake of junk food that has led to the global problem of obesity. Sufficiency of sleep and sound mental health can curb the menace to a certain level. The choice of food habits vary between age groups and improper consumption has added to the problem. It is also strongly related to the socio economic status of individual. However, there are several indicators like BMI, skin fold, waist circumference etc. that can aid the process of monitoring individual health in terms of being obese. Several diseases including cardiovascular, metabolic or reproductive are directly or indirectly related to obesity that is influenced by lifestyle and diet. Thus, the present life style and diet is under threat for well being of individual and public health as well.