Lifestyle Factors and Health Outcomes

Physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption were assessed by questionnaire at baseline. These characteristics have demonstrated face validity in the UK Biobank sample through their associations with mortality and cardiovascular disease.^{11 (link)} Participants were categorised into never, previous, and current smokers. From information on the weekly intake of beer and cider (1 pint =2 units), wines (1 standard glass = 2 units) and spirits (1 shot = 1 unit), we aggregated units of alcohol intake per week. Heavy alcohol intake was defined as ≥14 units in women and ≥21 units in men.^{3 (link)} Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form¹² that measures duration and frequency of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from all domains in the last week. Meeting activity guidelines was defined as ≥150 min/week MVPA or ≥75 min/week vigorous PA.^{3 (link)} Body weight was measured using Tanita BC418MA scales and standing height using a Seca height measure. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated [weight (kilograms)/height² (meters²) squared] and categorised into standard groups: healthy weight < 25; overweight 25 - < 30; obese ≥ 30 kg/m².