Art Activities Shown to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

Engaging in Art Programmes Could Protect Against Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

Engaging in creative and cultural activities such as music, dance, theatre, and storytelling could play a powerful role in preventing major health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to new research.

The study, commissioned by the Jameel Arts and Health Lab, revealed that participation in art programmes significantly reduces the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Researchers argue that the arts should not just be seen as entertainment, but as an essential tool in public health promotion and disease prevention.

Lead author Jill Sonke emphasized the importance of prevention, stating: “We don’t want to just treat these diseases, we want to prevent them. We would love to see funding and interventions move upstream from treatment toward prevention, and the arts should be part of that prevention strategy, because they really can help.”

The findings are based on an extensive review of 95 studies that involved more than 230,000 participants worldwide. The evidence suggests that arts and cultural engagement not only improves health literacy but also makes people more likely to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyle habits.

Corresponding author Professor Nisha Sajnani underscored the broader implications of the research, explaining: “If we are serious about reducing the global burden of non-communicable diseases, we must treat the arts as essential to public health infrastructure. Arts and cultural activities provide cost-effective and scalable tools for prevention that, when embedded in health promotion and grounded in community partnership, can expand access, close equity gaps and strengthen the uptake of healthy behaviours.”

The researchers further noted that art-based initiatives make health messages more engaging, relatable, and memorable. Unlike traditional campaigns, which often struggle to sustain public interest, creative programmes encourage higher participation and long-term commitment.

When cultural relevance is woven into these programmes, the benefits increase. Locally tailored art initiatives can improve accessibility, enhance community involvement, and encourage meaningful behaviour change—factors critical for tackling global health challenges like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Experts now believe that incorporating the arts into health strategies could be a game-changer. By making health promotion more engaging and inclusive, art programmes not only empower individuals to take charge of their well-being but also contribute to reducing the global burden of chronic diseases.

Fidel Perez

A graduate of Computer Science and Information Management Technology. Diploma – Caregiving, Certificates – Dementia and Diabetes Awareness and Management. A researcher, blogger, songwriter, singer and acoustic guitarist. Born in an environment where natural talents such as healing are imparted at our natural birth. This natural talents of healing is the result of our genetic inheritance and the training from family environment.