Hi everyone and welcome back to my Blog. Today I’m going to be wrapping up the end of my Inquiry Project about the topic, How lifestyle choices and diet impact the development and management of chronic diseases, by answering my last sub question being, What are the long-term effects of poor diet and lifestyle choices on chronic disease progression and quality of life?
First of all, We often hear that “you are what you eat,” but the reality is way deeper than that. Poor dietary habits and lifestyles don’t just lead to temporary weight gain or fatigue, they’re key in the progression of chronic diseases. Over time, the cost isn’t just a few extra pounds or a drop in energy, it’s also a steep decline in quality of life, functionality, and lifespan. (1)
One of the most concerning aspects of poor lifestyle choices is how they contribute to the gradual degradation of bodily systems. For example, prolonged consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are often low in fiber and essential nutrients, is connected to higher rates of obesity and gut microbiome imbalance, both of which contribute to inflammation and immune system dysregulation (2). This chronic inflammation wears down tissues and organs over time, pushing people closer to conditions like arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and even autoimmune disorders (3).
Metal health is not spared when it comes to poor diet and lifestyle choices. Unhealthy diets high in refined carbs and saturated fats are associated with increased risks of depression and cognitive decline. At the same time, a lack of physical activity can worsen mood disorders, impair sleep, and elevate stress levels, all of which impact daily functioning and overall mental well-being (4).
The cumulative effect of years of unhealthy habits isn’t just disease, it’s a diminished lifestyle. As chronic conditions like heart disease or type 2 diabetes progress, people often face increasing limitations in movement, stamina, and independence. (8) The joy of everyday life like playing with grandchildren, traveling, or even running errands fades as chronic pain, fatigue, and medication dependence take hold (5).
Many of the effects of poor diet and inactivity are irreversible. Arterial damage, nerve degeneration, and advanced insulin resistance often can’t be undone even with better habits later in life. Early prevention isn’t just smarter — it’s sometimes the only real option (6). Modern Western diets and desk-bound lifestyles have normalized chronic illness. But just because it’s common doesn’t make it alright. Studies show that each added risk factor, obesity, smoking, poor diet, lack of movement, multiplies the chance of developing multiple chronic conditions (7). And as these diseases stack up, the burden on personal well-being, healthcare systems, and families intensifies (8).
As I write this final post, I’m not just closing out a topic, I’m closing a chapter. Being a senior means everything is “the last” lately: the last first day, the last school lunch, the last time seeing familiar faces in the same hallways. And now, my last blog post focused on research. Thank you so much for reading and following my research throughput the semester, year, or past three years!
-Perla
SOURCES:
1.Health Council of Canada. “How Your Daily Habits Shape Your Risk of Chronic Disease (And What to Do About It).” Health & Wellness Canada, 14 Apr. 2025. www.healthcouncilcanada.ca
2.Rojas, José R., et al. “The Effects of Nutrition on Chronic Conditions.” Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 5, 2023. MDPI
3.Sochocka, Małgorzata, et al. “The Gut Microbiome and Inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease.” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2021. PubMed
4.”Poor Nutritional Habits: A Modifiable Predecessor of Chronic Illness?” The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, vol. 20, no. 2, 2007. JABFM
5.Peeters, Anna, et al. “Association Between Lifestyle Factors and Quality-Adjusted Life Years in the EPIC-NL Cohort.” PLOS ONE, 2014. PubMed Central
6.”Impact of Nutrition on Chronic Diseases: Prevention and Management.” Max Healthcare, 2023. Max Healthcare
7.Bleich, Sara N., et al. “Diet Quality Among US Adults by Number of Chronic Conditions.” Preventing Chronic Disease, vol. 17, 2020. CDC – PMC
8.Fiorillo, Luca, et al. “A Sedentary and Unhealthy Lifestyle Fuels Chronic Disease Progression by Changing Interstitial Cell Behaviour.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 23, no. 14, 2022. PubMed
