Question

1-explain what is meant by the term ‘risk factor’.

2-explain the nature of the difference between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

3-Identify and briefly describe three different modifiable nutrition-related risk factors, each of which is a risk factor for a disease or other health condition. For each of the risk factors you should ensure that its direct relationship with nutrition is clear or is made explicit.

For the first risk factor that you identified for 3. (above):

identify and briefly describe one disease or other health condition for which it is a risk factor.

discuss the possible reasons why it is a risk factor for this disease or other health condition.

For the second risk factor that you identified for 3. (above):

identify and briefly describe one disease or other health condition for which it is a risk factor.

discuss the possible reasons why it is a risk factor for this disease or other health condition.

For the third risk factor that you identified for 3. (above):

identify and briefly describe one disease or other health condition for which it is a risk factor.

discuss the possible reasons why it is a risk factor for this disease or other health condition.

Answer 1

1-explain what is meant by the term ‘risk factor’.

According to definition given by WHO “a risk factor is any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury.”

In simple words “a risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease.”

2-explain the nature of the difference between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

Major difference between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors is that one can do something about modifiable risk factors i.e. smoking, being overweight, high cholesterol etc. On the other hand, one cannot change anything about non-modifiable risk factors i.e. age, ethnic background, family history of a disease etc.