Lifestyles

Lifestyle choices have a major influence on our health. While factors such as age, genetics and access to healthcare are important, a large proportion of illness and premature death is linked to behaviours that can be modified. The main lifestyle-related risks are smoking, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol consumption. These risk factors contribute significantly to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, respiratory disease and liver disease.

Smoking

Smoking remains one of the most harmful lifestyle risks, even though smoking rates have fallen substantially over recent decades. Tobacco use damages almost every organ in the body and is a leading cause of preventable illness and early death. It increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and many other health conditions. Smoking is also linked to poorer health outcomes during pregnancy and can expose family members to harmful second-hand smoke. Despite continued declines in prevalence, smoking remains more common in disadvantaged communities, contributing to significant health inequalities.

Diet

Poor diet and obesity represent another major public health challenge. Many people consume too much sugar, salt and saturated fat, while eating insufficient amounts of fruit, vegetables and fibre. Over time, an unhealthy diet can lead to excess weight gain and obesity. Obesity increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, joint problems and reduced quality of life. Childhood obesity is of particular concern because it increases the risk of poor health in adulthood. The rise in obesity levels has become one of the most significant drivers of preventable ill health.

Physical activity

Physical inactivity is closely linked to poor diet and obesity but is also a risk factor in its own right. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles and bones, and supports mental wellbeing. People who are inactive have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Physical activity can also reduce anxiety, depression and social isolation. However, many adults do not achieve recommended activity levels, limiting these important health benefits.

Alcohol

Alcohol misuse is another major contributor to ill health. While many people drink responsibly, regularly consuming alcohol above recommended levels increases the risk of liver disease, several types of cancer, high blood pressure, stroke and mental health problems. Excessive drinking can also contribute to accidents, injuries and family or social difficulties.

Drugs

Recreational drug use is also an important lifestyle-related health risk. The use of illegal drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, heroin and synthetic substances can have significant short-term and long-term effects on both physical and mental health. Risks include overdose, addiction, cardiovascular problems, respiratory disease, infectious diseases associated with injecting drug use, and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and psychosis. Drug use can also contribute to accidents, injuries, violence, homelessness and involvement with the criminal justice system. While the health impacts vary depending on the substance used and the pattern of use, recreational drug use places a substantial burden on individuals, families and health services. Harm is often greater among people experiencing social deprivation, poor mental health or other vulnerabilities.

Sexual Health

Sexual health is an important aspect of overall wellbeing and can be affected by lifestyle choices and behaviours. Unprotected sex increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. Poor sexual health can lead to long-term complications such as infertility, chronic pain and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Good sexual health involves access to accurate information, effective contraception, regular testing where appropriate, and healthy relationships based on consent and mutual respect. Certain groups, including young people and those with multiple sexual partners, may face increased risks. Improving sexual health can reduce illness, improve wellbeing and help prevent unintended pregnancies.

Gambling

Problem gambling is increasingly recognised as a public health issue. While many people gamble without experiencing harm, some develop gambling behaviours that negatively affect their finances, relationships, employment, mental health and physical wellbeing. Problem gambling is associated with anxiety, depression, substance misuse, family breakdown and, in severe cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts. It is more prevalent among men and some vulnerable groups. The growth of online gambling and the ease of access to betting products have increased concerns about gambling-related harms. Prevention, early intervention and access to specialist support services can help reduce these impacts.

These lifestyle risks often occur together. For example, people who smoke may also be more likely to drink heavily, while poor diet and inactivity frequently coexist. When multiple risk factors are present, their harmful effects can combine and substantially increase the likelihood of serious disease. Addressing these behaviours through healthier choices, supportive communities and effective public health policies offers one of the greatest opportunities to improve health and reduce inequalities.

In the related documents section of this page you can access recent lifestyle-related related research and analysis that we have published.