Chronic noncommunicable diseases: six factors that raise the risk

Unhealthy food, too little exercise, long periods of sitting, alcohol and tobacco use can increase the risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases, Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health said.

The ministry linked these risks to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, some cancers and other chronic conditions. It stressed that having a risk factor does not mean a person will necessarily develop a disease.

Health officials said small changes can significantly reduce the risk. They recommended prioritizing fresh food, legumes, fruit and vegetables, choosing water instead of sugary drinks, and avoiding fried food, sweets and ultra-processed products.

High blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as overweight and obesity, especially abdominal fat, can raise cardiovascular risk. The ministry said these conditions require urgent assessment and follow-up by health professionals.

It also warned that alcohol can reduce self-control, reflexes and the ability to process information, increasing the risk of accidents and other serious complications. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke raise the risk of cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases and cancer. Officials urged people to quit smoking and keep homes, workplaces and shared spaces smoke-free. Insufficient physical activity for a person’s age also increases the risk of chronic disease.