Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. It is not merely the absence of disease or impairment, as defined by the World Health Organization.
A person's health is influenced by multiple factors, including their own behavior and the environment in which they live. Many factors are determined by individual choice and some by structural forces, such as the availability of affordable medical care.
Genetics, or the inherited traits of an individual's parents, also play a role in their overall health. These characteristics may increase the risk of certain diseases and health conditions or contribute to behavioral patterns, such as overeating.
Environmental factors - People are affected by the social and physical environments in which they live, work and play. Inequalities in the quality of these environments can contribute to a wide range of health outcomes and risks.
Social determinants of health are conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship and age that affect their ability to be healthy. They include the availability of clean water and air, adequate housing, safe neighborhoods, access to healthy food and recreational facilities, and social support.
This can be a complex issue because people's health and wellbeing can vary greatly with income, gender, and other factors. In the United States, for example, some communities have higher rates of obesity than others, which can lead to a number of health problems and poor mental and physical well-being.