Letter: NHS will struggle as long as chronic disease persists

John Burn-Murdoch is right to point out the economic risk from the UK’s burden of chronic disease (Data Points, July 22). The World Health Organization confirms that we know how to prevent such ill-health, and about 60 per cent of the main chronic illnesses (diabetes, cancer, heart attacks and strokes) can be prevented by addressing major risk factors such as smoking, what we eat and drink and physical inactivity. The UK has the highest level of obesity in Europe. But our NHS will continue to struggle until the government as a whole recognises we need an approach that attacks these risks, especially in the most disadvantaged areas of the country.

Christine Hancock
Founder and Director, C3 Collaborating for Health, London NW1, UK