Lifestyle diseases

The definition ‘lifestyle diseases’ includes physical and mental diseases which are mostly caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Most frequent rated medical conditions are; cardiac diseases (often caused by smoking and alcohol) and unhealthy nutrition (e.g. a lack of physical activity).

Most at risk of acquiring a physical or mental lifestyle disease are adults who are socio-economically disadvantaged, with a low level of education and those with a migration background belong to the groups of adults. A European study results state a correlation between social status and health status; the more people are socio-economically disadvantaged the more they are at health risk. An unhealthy lifestyle and the high rate of chronic diseases also influence the expectation of life; even if there is a difference between social classes.

Special campaigns on health promotion can help reach social disadvantaged groups and support them in using different health services, so awareness-raising in combination with giving information is very important. To change a person’s lifestyle, especially within social underprivileged groups, is a precarious aspect because people’s culture of living may be influenced.