Recent Examples on the WebMullins says food insecurity correlates with inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy, a risk factor for gestational diabetes and other complications that can adversely affect maternal health outcomes. Elizabeth Heubeck, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2022 Overcrowded housing, a risk factor for the spread of the coronavirus, is worse in L.A. County than many other parts of the country, including the Bay Area.Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 Almost 20% of American children are obese – a leading risk factor for poor outcomes after an infection; never mind the untold more with diabetes, cancer and the multitude of other risk factors. Megan Ranney, CNN, 11 Mar. 2022 Social connections, lost in the pandemic, are harder for older adults to restore, increasing the likelihood of isolation—a key risk factor in abuse. Clare Ansberry, WSJ, 28 Dec. 2021 Decreasing the amount of fat in your diet, particularly red meat (a risk factor for diverticulitis), may be a good way to prevent another episode, Dr. Strate says. Karen Pallarito, Health.com, 3 Nov. 2021 Rich biodiversity has been called a risk factor for spillover; the idea is that many species are intermingling, sharing viruses. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2022 Futures tend to have a higher risk factor than other alternative investments and the details of the contracts can be complex. Kelli Click, Forbes, 11 Aug. 2022 Having one copy of the gene puts people over the age of 65 in danger, while having two copies is considered the strongest risk factor for the future development of Alzheimer's in that age group. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 31 July 2022 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1949, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
risk factor
noun
: something that increases risk or susceptibility
poorly controlled hypertension is a risk factor for coronary heart disease