Global Study Reveals Rising Disease Risk Factors

A recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington reveals a 49% increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to metabolism-related risk factors like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI. The study emphasizes the significant impact of lifestyle changes and environmental factors on these health outcomes, particularly affecting the working-age population. This underscores the urgent need for global health interventions to reduce the growing burden of preventable diseases worldwide.

According to the study’s researchers, if these disease risk factors are left untreated, they can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke from high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus from elevated blood sugar levels, and kidney damage resulting from excess body weight, among other life-threatening conditions. Managing these indicators is crucial for preventing these diseases and maintaining overall well-being, they emphasize.  

"Developing these risk factors can often be influenced by various lifestyle factors, especially among younger generations," said Michael Brauer, Affiliate Professor, IHME. This is particularly relevant in Mexico, where approximately 72.4% of adults aged 20 and older are estimated to suffer from overweight or obesity, according to Statista. Addressing these risk factors early is crucial to prevent long-term health issues and reduce the likelihood of chronic diseases later in life.

The study identified air pollution, smoking, low birthweight, and shorter gestation periods as significant contributors to disease risk. This underscores the complex relationship between environmental exposures and metabolic health, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions. On a positive note, improvements in unsafe water, sanitation, maternal and child health, and household air quality contribute to better living conditions and reduce the risk of diseases, according to the study’s findings.   

Emmanuela Gakidou, Professor, IHME, highlighted the urgent need for interventions targeting obesity and metabolic syndromes. "With increasing exposure to risk factors such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low physical activity, and a diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages, there is an urgent need for interventions focused on obesity and metabolic syndromes," she said.

In Mexico, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the main source of added sugar intake among all age groups and make up a significant portion of total energy intake. However, children and adolescents have the greatest intake of SSBs and added sugars, according to the study titled "Changes in Sugar Sweetened Beverage Consumption Patterns." This high consumption is concerning as it contributes to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Despite global improvements in health outcomes, challenges remain. Greg Roth, Director of the Cardiovascular Health Metrics Program, IHME, noted that "[if] the trendline is not changed, we will be looking at a worsening global burden of cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases in the coming years."

Overall, the study provides comprehensive insights into global health challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need for continued research and policy action to improve population health worldwide.