In the not so distant past, malnutrition was a significant issue due to limited and unreliable foods supplies. However, in most developed countries overconsumption of foods is now the major health concern.


Poor dietary choices are a major factor in the development of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, which together account for the majority of deaths in U.S. males.

In fact, lifestyle choices, including diet, physical activity, alcohol, and smoking, are stronger factors in the development (or prevention) of most diseases than genetics. The good news is that if you have a family history of heart disease, you're not doomed. It just means that making good lifestyle choices is especially important for you.

The average American man lives 5.4 years fewer than the average woman. In 2002, male life expectancy was 74.5 years, while female life expectancy was 79.9 years.

One possible explanation is hormones. Men are more likely to accumulate fat around the waist, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke. In addition, men are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol than women.

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in both men and women. However, men often develop heart disease 10-15 years earlier than women.

Cancer is the #2 cause of death in both men and women. Lung cancer is still the most deadly cancer. Prostate and colon cancers are 2nd and 3rd and both are linked to high-fat diets.

Although, diabetes is the #6 cause of death, it is a significant factor in the development of heart disease (the #1 cause). Diabetics are 2-4 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than non-diabetics. Excess body fat, especially around the waist, is a risk factor for diabetes. Approximately 80% of diabetics are overweight or obese at the time of diagnosis.

It is estimated that 1/3 of men with Type 2 diabetes don't know they have it and aren't taking any steps to control blood sugar. These men remain unaware of their condition until they develop impotence, nerve damage, vision loss, or kidney disease. Kidney failure (#9) often results from high blood pressure or diabetes.

Now all this may seem like gloom and doom, but take a look at the recommendations to prevent heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes:

Prevention Strategies Heart Disease Cancer Stroke Diabetes
Eat fruits, vegetables & low fat foods
x
x
x
x
Maintain a healthy weight
x
x
x
x
Exercise 30 minutes per day
x
x
x
x
Maintain cholesterol in normal range
x
x
x
x
Control blood pressure
x
x
x
x
Control blood sugar (if diabetic)
x
x
x
x
Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
x
x
x
x
Don't smoke
x
x
x
x
Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen
x
x
x
x
Manage stress
x
x
x
x

It's really pretty simple... eating well and being even moderately active will greatly improve your chances of living a long and healthy life. Please visit the rest of the Men's Diet Sense web site for specific strategies to help you make easy changes to your diet that will maintain your health.
The Bottom Line

Adopting a healthy lifestyle (diet and activity) improves your chances of living a long and healthy life!
Causes of Death for Men in the U.S.
1. Heart disease
28%
2. Cancer
24%
3. Injuries
6%
4. Stroke
5%
5. Lung disease
5%
6. Diabetes
3%
7. Flu & pneumonia
2%
8. Suicide
2%
9. Kidney disease
2%
10. Liver disease
1%

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2004
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Men's Diet Sense provides general nutrition information and education. Specific medical advice should be obtained from a licensed health care practitioner. Consult your physician before you begin a diet or exercise program.
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