Kazakhstan Sees Steady Shift Toward Healthier Living

Kazakhstan is seeing a steady shift toward healthier living.

A 2025 study by the Salidat Kairbekova National Research Center for Health Development shows that the share of citizens demonstrating a high commitment to a healthy lifestyle rose from 7.2 per cent to 8.4 per cent, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Overall adherence to healthy living principles also increased, climbing from 34.2 per cent in 2024 to 35.7 per cent in 2025.

The nationwide survey covered 13,617 respondents across 17 regions and three major cities, offering a comprehensive snapshot of how Kazakh citizens are embracing healthier habits under the country’s 2026 Healthcare Development Concept.

Researchers assessed five key lifestyle components, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet quality, and salt intake - all major risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases. Over the past four years, monitoring has shown gradual improvements in these areas.

Alongside the rise in high commitment, the proportion of people with a satisfactory level of healthy behavior edged up from 27.0 per cent to 27.3 per cent. Health officials say these gains reflect the impact of state-led prevention programs, public awareness campaigns, and broader efforts to build a culture of health.

However, the study also highlights clear socio-demographic gaps. Women, urban residents, and people with higher education levels were more likely to maintain healthy habits. In contrast, men, individuals aged 45-59, and those with lower education levels remain the most at risk.

The findings will guide future public health policies and targeted prevention measures aimed at improving the wellbeing of Kazakhstan’s population.