Chronic diseases can be explained as conditions that affect you for more than one or more years. These health problems require ongoing medical treatment and may require you to limit certain activities of daily living. These conditions include cancer, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. The primary risk factors that increase the chances of developing these chronic diseases are poor nutrition, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and less physical activity. Here is all you need to know about it. Have a look! Factors that increase the risk of chronic diseases 1. Smoking: One of the leading causes of chronic conditions and death is tobacco use. People who smoke are at a greater risk of developing lung problems, and those exposed to secondhand smoke are also vulnerable. This habit damages the airways and air sacs in the lungs. As a result, those who smoke can develop stroke, lung problems, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. They may further develop certain eye conditions, tuberculosis, and problems with the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis. 2. Poor nutrition: Teens and adults nowadays love eating junk and street food. As a result, the intake of low-energy-dense foods like fruits and veggies is limited. People do not take a nutritious diet, which increases the risk of chronic conditions. Therefore, health experts recommend people limit the consumption of foods rich in added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat. They must stay within the calorie limit and meet their nutritional needs with healthy foods. 3. Less physical activity: Most people do not engage in any physical acts beyond activities of daily living. This is not ideal as it increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and low physical activity levels. Experts highlight that leading a sedentary life can impair lipid metabolism, impair insulin-like growth factors, heighten the level of all-cause mortality, increase the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, lower cardiac output, and decrease carbohydrate metabolism. These factors can decrease your quality of life and put your life at peril. This is why light exercises like walking, running, aerobics, and weightlifting are recommended for people of every age. 4. Alcohol Intake: It is understandable to pour a glass of wine after you have had a stressful day at work. But, if consuming alcohol becomes a habit, it could make you vulnerable to chronic conditions. Excessive drinking causes many deaths every year. During the covid regime, liquor consumption increased when people were locked in their homes. This was the case for both males and females. In addition to the negative physical effects, excessive drinking also worsens mental health problems and causes anxiety and depression. Chronic conditions refer to long-term health problems that may affect your quality of life. Certain risk factors that can increase the risk of these issues are less physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol intake, and poor nutrition.