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Chapter 6 - The Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity

from Section 2 - Foundation Knowledge of Lifestyle Medicine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2025

By
Angharad Kate Woolley
Edited by
Richard Pinder ,
Christopher-James Harvey  and
Ellen Fallows
Richard Pinder
Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
Christopher-James Harvey
Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
Ellen Fallows
Affiliation:
British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
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Summary

Health inequalities refer to unfair and avoidable differences in health across populations, influenced by factors such as socio-economic status and societal inequality. These disparities are evident in various health and social outcomes, including child mortality, obesity, and life expectancy. Lifestyle Medicine, which focuses on individual behaviours, acknowledges the need for multi-level action to address health inequalities effectively. Strategies to improve health equity must consider individual circumstances, providing support according to specific needs. For instance, addressing food insecurity, promoting physical activity, and ensuring good quality sleep are Public Health targets that can benefit both individuals and society. Interventions must be tailored to overcome barriers such as cost, availability of resources, and safe environments for positive health behaviours. Ultimately, tackling lifestyle-related health inequality requires a collaborative effort between Lifestyle Medicine and Public Health, aiming for upstream changes to social determinants and advocating for a more equal society

Keywords

Health inequalitiesLifestyle MedicineSocio-economic statusEquitySocial determinantsNutritionPhysical activityMental well-beingHealth disparitiesPublic health
Type
Chapter
Information
Essential Lifestyle Medicine , pp. 50 - 59
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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