The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the number of people dying prematurely is increasing due to misguided lifestyle choices, according to the National Monitor.
The international health agency cited non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart and lung-related illnesses, diabetes and cancer as the emerging top killers.
Globally, 38 million people in the world have died prematurely or below the age of 70. The causes of death of almost half of them are NCDs.
According to WHO, 3.2 million die annually due to lack of exercise, while cigarette smoking is attributed to the death of six million people. 3.3 million die each year because of alcohol abuse while 1.7 million deaths are linked to high-salt diets, Rappler reported.
"Not thousands are dying, but millions are dying...every year in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, not in their 80s and 90s," Shanti Mendis of WHO told reporters during a press briefing on Monday.
"It is beyond belief that it is seemingly invisible," she added.
Among the countries that have the highest NCD-related death rates, WHO is particularly concerned about China. According to the healthy agency, half of the country's male population smokes cigarettes. In addition, most of its children do not practice proper physical exercise.
WHO emphasized that NCDs can be easily avoided as long as people learn to adopt healthier lifestyle choices. This includes regularly exercising, eating a healthy diet and refraining from consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
Aside from personal lifestyle choices, government organizations can also contribute in reducing the mortality rate caused by NCDs by imposing stricter regulations on alcohol and tobacco advertisements. WHO also suggested that taxing unhealthy food items such as those high in caffeine and salt should also be conducted.
As part of its own efforts to reduce NCD deaths, WHO presented the Global NCD Action Plan. The international project urges countries to enact programs aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Through the project, the agency hopes that the mortality rate will decrease by 25 percent before 2025.
