COMMENT

New analysis showing the full extent to which different diseases affect Scotland’s health and life expectancy is published today.

The results show that coronary heart disease, depression, neck and lower back pain, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cause the biggest disease burden in the country.

Overall the study which is the culmination of many years research originally funded by the Chief Scientist’s Office in the Scottish Government, identifies 25 specific illnesses, conditions and injuries accounting for almost 70 per cent of the overall burden of disease in Scotland in 2015.

The Burden of Disease measure calculates the years of life lost because of early death combined with the years of good quality life lost because

“This is a stark reminder that living longer does not necessarily equate to healthy, happy life”

DR DIANE STOCKTON