Human Behaviors Determine Health: Strategic Thoughts on the Prevention of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases in China

In the last three decades, people’s living standards have significantly increased along with the rapid growth of the national
economy of China. However, the prevalence of unhealthy behaviors and unfavorable lifestyles (e.g., smoking, excessive use
of alcohol, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets) also steadily increased, which may contribute to the growing epidemic
of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancers.

To briefly summarize the major studies from China concerning epidemic and burden of CNCDs and unhealthy lifestyles, and propose
intervention strategies toward unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors aiming for effective control of the growing epidemic of
CNCDs in China.

We first review the major national studies addressing the epidemic and burden of CNCDs and unhealthy behaviors in China. Then,
we aim to develop the preventive strategies against the increasing epidemic of CNCDs by focusing on the intervention campaign
toward health unfavorable behaviors and lifestyles.

CNCDs have posed major challenges to public health and the ongoing reform of health care system in China. Unhealthy lifestyles
and behaviors (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumpsion, physical inactivity, and imbalanced diets) are responsible for
the growing epidemic of CNCDs. Adherence to healthy behaviors and lifestyles is critical for maintaining physical and mental
health.

Active implementation of the population-wide intervention program of health education and promotion by targeting unhealthy
behaviors and lifestyles may help to constrain the growing epidemic of CNCDs in China.