American journal of preventive medicine
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Leading public health institutions recommend participation in several evidence-based behaviors, including exercise, a healthy diet, and maintenance of a normal BMI while simultaneously avoiding cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. The investigators attempted to evaluate the collective adherence to these recommendations and population trends in these behaviors by evaluating nationally representative surveys over a period of 12 years. ⋯ Only 1 in 5 Americans engage in 4 or more healthy behaviors, whereas almost half of them participate in fewer than 3 healthy behaviors. Increased participation in numerous healthy behaviors can decrease premature mortality, decrease the burden of chronic diseases, improve life quality, and provide substantial economic benefits. A public health practice of targeting a constellation of behaviors as opposed to individual behaviors is needed.