This analysis performed in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988-1994 and 2001-2006 sought to investigate trends in lifestyle choices over a 18-year follow-up period in adults aged 40-74 years. During the study follow-up, the proportion of adults with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 increased from 28 to 36%, who did physical activity >12 times/month decreased from 53 to 43% (p<0.05), who did not smoke remained stable (26.9 to 26.1%), who ate ≥5 fruits and vegetable/day decreased from 42 to 26% (p<0.05) and who had a moderate alcohol consumption increased from 40 to 51% (p<0.05). Finally, adherence to all 5 healthy habits decreased from 15 to 8% (p<0.05). These findings may have major implications as it may limit the decrease in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In a commentary accompanying the paper, Alpert JS emphasized that the decrease in hospital mortality rates for ischemic coronary heart disease observed during the time period 1979-1998 is likely to be reversed in the coming years in light of results of King and colleagues who showed deteriorating trends in lifestyle choices. It is therefore urgent to begin aggressive preventive cardiovascular disease campaigns and to adopt healthy lifestyle habits
Documentation centre