WHO: Stop the global epidemic of chronic disease

October 5, 2005

Press Release..

10/5/05

World Health Organization:

" Stop the global epidemic of chronic disease "

New report,

Preventing chronic diseases: a vital investment estimates hundreds of billions

of dollars at stake

The World Health Organization (WHO) report, 'Preventing Chronic Diseases: a

vital investment' says global action to prevent chronic disease could save the

lives of 36 million people who would otherwise be dead by 2015.

Currently, chronic diseases are by far the leading cause of death in the world

and their impact is steadily growing. The report projects that approximately 17

million people die prematurely each year as a result of the global epidemic of

chronic disease.

[snip]

Preventable risk factors

The vast majority of cases of chronic diseases are caused by a small number of

known and preventable risk factors. Three of the most important are unhealthy

diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use. Globally, these risk factors are

increasing as people's dietary habits change to foods high in fats and sugars,

and people's work and living situations are much less physically active.

Increased marketing and sales of tobacco products in low and middle income

countries mean greater exposure to the risk of tobacco.

One billion people globally are overweight or obese, and WHO predicts that will

rise beyond 1.5 billion by 2015 without immediate action.

The report examines the vast evidence-based knowledge about inexpensive and

cost-effective measures that can produce rapid health gains and for which the

benefits far outweigh the costs. Examples include: salt reduction in processed

foods, improved school meals and taxation of tobacco products, which is not only

cost-effective but also raises revenues for governments.

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