Final answer:
Over one-third of disease costs to society are attributed to chronic noninfectious diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Obesity and lifestyle choices are key factors in these diseases, particularly in the United States, which has an above-average disease rate compared to other developed countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diseases that contribute to over one-third of the total cost of disease to society are predominantly chronic noninfectious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Though these diseases can have genetic components, lifestyle choices play a significant role in their prevalence. Factors like a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and obesity significantly contribute to these conditions. The United States, with its high obesity rate, sees a connection between these diseases and increased public healthcare spending, as well as societal costs like reduced life expectancy and escalating healthcare costs.
Contributing Factors to Obesity-Related Diseases
Obesity-related diseases have significant contributing factors, such as technology encouraging less active lifestyles, and the availability of fast and cheap but unhealthy meals. In the United States, the high obesity rate contributes to a higher prevalence of diseases, with healthcare and societal costs impacting economic trends and productivity.
Comparative Disease Rates
Comparing disease rates across countries, those with the highest disease rates vary notably. The average percentage affected by a particular disease in these countries ranges from 11.4 percent to 74.6 percent. With the United States at an average rate of 33.9 percent, it reflects an above-average rate compared to other countries, indicating a significant health concern.