STRESS is intricately linked with lifestyle diseases, and this is supported by medical research. Lifestyle diseases include heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis; type 2 diabetes and obesity; and diseases associated with alcohol, smoking and drug abuse.

Stress can have a significant influence on lifestyle, and lifestyle choices can lead to the development of many diseases through a variety of mechanisms, including altered hormone levels, poor eating habits, sleep disturbances, inflammation, unhealthy coping strategies, compromised immune systems, and affected mental health.