Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for chronic disease?

• A. Age
• B. Smoking
• C. Genetic predisposition
• D. Family history

Answer: (B)

Modifiable risk factors are the behaviors or exposures you can change to lower your risk of chronic diseases. Smoking is the example here because it’s a behavior you can stop or reduce, and quitting lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other chronic conditions.

Age is non-modifiable—you can’t alter how old you are. Genetic predisposition and family history reflect inherited risk, which you can’t change, even though you might influence how that risk plays out through lifestyle choices. So the best choice is smoking, since it’s the one factor you can actively modify to reduce disease risk.