Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy and Risk Factors
Author Information
Author(s): Pieter HM van Baal, Rudolf T Hoogenveen, G Ardine de Wit, Hendriek C Boshuizen
Primary Institution: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Hypothesis
Does prevention of obesity and smoking result in compression of morbidity?
Conclusion
Successful prevention of smoking and obesity can increase life expectancy and health-adjusted life expectancy, but does not lead to substantial compression of morbidity.
Supporting Evidence
- Health-adjusted life expectancy is highest for 'healthy living' individuals.
- Differences in health-adjusted life expectancy between smoking and obese cohorts compared to healthy living are significant.
- Successful prevention of smoking and obesity does not lead to absolute compression of morbidity.
Takeaway
If people stop smoking and lose weight, they can live longer and healthier, but it doesn't mean they will have fewer years of illness.
Methodology
A dynamic population model was used to estimate life expectancy and health-adjusted life expectancy for different cohorts based on smoking and obesity.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from not distinguishing between light and heavy smokers and treating BMI as a categorical variable.
Limitations
The study assumes no transitions between risk factor classes over time and relies on several assumptions regarding disease prevalence and mortality.
Participant Demographics
Cohorts included smokers, non-smoking obese individuals, and 'healthy living' individuals, all aged 20.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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