Men Face Greater Risks Than Women for Top 20 Global Health Issues

Recent global research reveals that men are significantly more likely than women to die early from the world's leading 20 health problems. The comprehensive study, analyzing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, highlights that in 2021, men experienced higher rates of illness and mortality than women for 13 of these top causes, including COVID-19, traffic accidents, cardiovascular diseases, lung conditions, and liver diseases. Specifically, men faced 45% more cases of COVID-19 and heart disease-related issues compared to women.

The findings underscore the unique health challenges faced by males, with risks increasing as they age. Young men aged 10 to 24 are particularly vulnerable to road injuries, whereas in older populations, risks related to heart disease and cancers become more prominent among men. In contrast, women tend to live longer but endure higher levels of non-fatal illnesses such as musculoskeletal disorders, mental health issues, and headaches, especially in high-income countries.

Dr. Vedavati Patwardhan from the University of California-San Diego emphasizes the need for targeted health strategies for men, including early interventions that focus on behavioral risk factors like alcohol consumption and smoking, which often start at a young age. The study also found that women’s health concerns extend beyond reproductive issues, with conditions like musculoskeletal and mental health disorders receiving insufficient attention.

The research highlights important biological and social differences that influence disease patterns across age groups and regions. It calls for sex- and gender-specific approaches to health prevention and treatment from early life stages, aiming to reduce premature deaths and improve health outcomes for both genders.

These insights are vital for shaping future health policies and ensuring that both men and women receive appropriate medical care tailored to their unique needs.