Unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits are posing a growing threat to human health, leading to a surge in lifestyle diseases, warned Charles Mackay, a renowned scientist and fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

Speaking at a Vision China event in Wuhan, Hubei province, Mackay emphasized the urgent need for innovative and safe drugs to combat immune-related diseases, including Alzheimer's, cardiovascular conditions and diabetes.

Mackay, honorary president of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Qilu University of Technology in Shandong province, and former chief scientific officer for inflammation and immunology at pharmaceutical company Pfizer in the United States, warned of the detrimental impact of modern lifestyles on global well-being.

He highlighted the critical role that dietary choices play in determining human health outcomes, drawing from research on longevity zones worldwide.

According to Mackay, embracing diets rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables and nuts, while maintaining control over calorie and sugar intake, can significantly benefit one's health. He further advocated the use of metabolite diets, which focus on the combined effects of various dietary components, over single-molecule drugs.

Mackay concluded his speech by expressing his optimistic outlook on the future of disease treatment. He believes that the scientific community is on the brink of a revolution in healthcare, wherein innovative medicines will be developed to effectively address a range of diseases, ultimately leading to improved human health and well-being.