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Review
Diet and lifestyle changes as preventive cost-effective
strategies of interventions for chronic diseases
Elvis I. Agbonlahor,
Richard O. Okaka, Loveth N. Agbonlahor
Department of Physical and Health Education, Ambrose Ali
University, Ekpoma.
*Corresponding author E-mail:
elvisagbon@yahoo.com
Received 01 May, 2010; Accepted 21 June, 2010
The increase in the occurrence of nutrition related chronic
diseases is alarming. It was seen that genetic,
environmental, and behavioural factors are primary
determinants of chronic diseases such as coronary artery
disease, ischemic stroke, diabetes and some specific
cancers. Thus, it was therefore concluded that avoiding
smoking; pursuing physical activity; consuming healthy types
of fats; eating plenty of fruits and vegetables; replacing
refined grains with whole grains; limiting sugar intake;
limiting excessive calories and limiting sodium intake are
dietary and lifestyle factors that could serve as
interventions for chronic diseases. It was therefore
recommended that a comprehensive national and local plans
that would involve health care providers, worksites,
schools, media, urban planners, all levels of food
production, processing and preparation and governments
should be developed to take advantage of every opportunity
to encourage and promote healthy eating and active living.
Keywords: Cost-effectiveness, interventions, chronic
diseases, diet and lifestyle. |