A study published in The Lancet on May 18, 2024, provides a comprehensive analysis of 88 risk factors across 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2021. The internationally collaborative study includes co-authors Dr. Péter Gaál and Dr. Tamás Joó, the president and vice president of HMA.
The research found that in 2021, the leading risk factors included environmental particulate pollution, responsible for 8.0% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs); high systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 7.8%; smoking at 5.7%; low birth weight and short gestation at 5.6%; and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 5.4%. Analyzing age-related risk patterns revealed that among children (ages 0–14), the greatest risks were low birth weight, short gestation, and unsafe water, while among adults, metabolic risk factors—including high body mass index (BMI), high fasting blood glucose (FPG), and high LDL cholesterol—were dominant.
The analysis of temporal trends highlighted significant reductions in maternal and child health risks, unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as household air pollution. In contrast, despite a decline in smoking prevalence, the burden of smoking-related diseases moderately increased due to population aging. Substantial increases were observed in the burdens associated with environmental particulate pollution, high BMI, high fasting blood glucose, and high systolic blood pressure—trends influenced by rising exposure levels and an aging population.
The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address the leading risk factors. While progress has been made in reducing certain health risks, challenges remain, particularly concerning metabolic risks and environmental factors.
The full article is available here: The Lancet.