Scientists from the American Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta have conducted a study that indicates people who lead a healthy lifestyle are 93 percent less likely to develop diabetes than those who do not.
Four factors were taken into account during the study – exercising regularly, staying slim, eating a healthy diet and never having smoked. People who followed this advice were found to be nearly 80 percent less likely to develop chronic disease than those who did not.
They were also found to be 81 percent less likely to have a heart attack, 50 percent less likely to have a stroke and their chance of developing cancer was reduced by 36 percent.
Requirements for participants involved in the study included meeting a criteria for staying fit by exercising for at least three and a half hours per week, having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 30 and eating a diet high in fruit, vegetables and whole grain with limited red meat. They also had to have never smoked.
Just over 23,513 adults aged between 35 and 65 took part in the study and were approached by the sceintists every two to three years to see if they had radically changed their lifestyle.
Interestingly, only around 9 percent conformed to all four factors necessary for a healthy lifestyle after an eight year follow up.
The most important factor in reducing risk for developing chronic disease was a BMI lower than 30, followed by not smoking. Then came regular physical activity and a healthy diet.
The scientists published their study in the Archives of Internal Medicine journal.
What is Body Mass Index? (BMI)
BMI is a measure of a person’s height and weight. It should fall between 20 and 25. Above 25 is considered to be overweight and above 30 is considered to be obese.
For more information on how to work out your BMI, visit the NHS Choices website BMI Tool