Adherence

Adherence to a combination of five low-risk lifestyle factors (never smoking, BMI 18.5-24.9, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ≥30 min/day, moderate alcohol intake, and high diet quality) significantly increases life expectancy free of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.

To maximize your disease-free years, focus on five key areas: never smoke, maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, consume alcohol moderately (if at all), and eat a high-quality diet (top 40% of the Alternate Healthy Eating Index). Adhering to four or five of these factors can add approximately 10 years to your life expectancy free of major chronic diseases compared to having none.