1. Effects of lifestyle choices
Multicellular organisms – section 7

2. Learning outcomes
Explain how poor diet and lack of exercise can affect transport and exchange systems, and cause diseases
Explain how smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol can affect transport systems and cause diseases

3. Diet A balanced diet is very important FAT:
Excess fat in the diet can lead to obesity
and increased cholesterol in the blood
- cholesterol can be deposited in arteries, forming plaques
- this can lead to atherosclerosis
- arteries narrow and can become blocked
SALT:
High salt intake increases blood pressure
- this strains the heart and arteries
- increased risk of heart attack & stroke

4. exercise Regular exercise helps blood circulation
- reduced risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
Also helps reduce the chance of obesity
Reduces risk of:
- type 2 diabetes
- heart disease
- certain cancers

5. smoking
Cigarette smoke contains 1000’s of harmful chemicals, which include:
Carbon Monoxide:
- reduces ability of cells to carry oxygen
Tar:
- builds up in the lungs, and can cause cancer
- also damages cilia (normally sweep away mucus)
Nicotine:
- very addictive
Also many other poisonous/toxic chemicals
– e.g. heavy metals, arsenic

6. alcohol Excess alcohol consumption has many health risks:
Increased risk of stroke
- “binge” drinking increases blood pressure
Increases risk of type 2 diabetes
Increased risk of atherosclerosis & heart attack
Increased risk of cirrhosis – irreversible liver damage
Can affect mental health – e.g. cause depression
Increased risk of certain cancers
Short term effects:
- blurred vision, impaired judgement, poor balance & co-ordination