Conscious Consumer Choice: From Risk Modification to Risk-Based Regulation
Total economic damage from non-communicable diseases in Russia is estimated at RUB 3.6 trillion per year, which is equivalent to 4.2% of GDP. Modern approaches to the prevention and treatment of diseases are based on the concept of modifying risk factors that can be used for the effective primary and secondary prevention of diseases, their treatment, and rehabilitation. Risk modification is now widely used in various government sectors and is governed by policies, programmes, and legislation concerning sources of harmful factors, including stress, physical inactivity, excessive salt intake, alcohol consumption, and tobacco smoking. According to experts, scientists, and doctors, in order to effectively combat these threats, it is essential to pay attention to modern technologies, scientific evidence, and integrated risk modification practices. Introducing a comprehensive risk-based approach to regulation that takes into account the objective data of scientific research will significantly reduce harm from non-communicable diseases and save millions of lives. What regulatory innovations could serve as the basis for improving public health in the near future? How can we alter the paradigm of noncommunicable disease prevention and offer people who refuse to give up bad habits an alternative with fewer health risks?
