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Fact Sheet

  March 9, 2004

Physical Inactivity and Poor Nutrition Catching up to Tobacco as Actual Cause of Death

In 2000, the most common actual causes of death in the United States were tobacco (435,000), poor diet and physical inactivity (400,000), alcohol consumption (85,000), microbial agents (e.g., influenza and pneumonia, 75,000), toxic agents (e.g., pollutants, asbestos, etc., 55,000), motor vehicle accidents (43,000), firearms (29,000), sexual behavior (20,000) and illicit use of drugs (17,000).

Actual causes of death are defined as lifestyle and behavioral factors such as smoking and physical inactivity that contribute to this nation’s leading killers including heart disease, cancer and stroke.
 

Chart depicting Leading Causes of Death compared to Actual Causes of Death for 2000
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Charts from 1990 and 2000 that show poor diet and physical inactivity catching up to tobacco as Actual Cause of Death
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CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.

 


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This page last updated March 9, 2004
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/fs040309.htm

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