Final answer:
The four common risk factors for chronic diseases in Canada are unhealthy diet, tobacco use, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. These modifiable factors contribute to metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases in Canada
The four common risk factors for chronic diseases in Canada, particularly cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, include both non-modifiable and modifiable factors. Non-modifiable factors are age, gender, and genetic predisposition. Modifiable factors, which largely contribute to metabolic syndrome and can increase the risk of numerous chronic diseases, include:
- Unhealthy diet, specifically high consumption of sweetened beverages and trans fats.
- Tobacco use, which is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disorders and lung cancer.
- Physical inactivity, leading to obesity and an increased risk of various chronic conditions.
- Excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to hypertension and liver diseases.
These factors combined contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions (increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess body fat around the waist)