Marvellous men of Caerphilly: what research in one Welsh county taught us about our health

We all know habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, eating well and exercising can affect our health, but not many people know how research in Wales helped us to better understand the impact our lifestyle has on us.

Between 1979 and 2009, Professor Peter Elwood and his team tracked the lifestyle habits of over 2,500 middle-aged men from Caerphilly, exploring how our environment influences our risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

The Caerphilly Prospective Study (CAPS) was one of the first to show not smoking, having a low alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, having a balanced diet and exercising regularly dramatically lowered the risk of developing chronic conditions.

For 30 years, participants continuously gave their time and data, including blood tests before their first meal of the day, to help the research team discover the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Originally, the study intended to look only at ischaemic heart disease, a condition where narrowed arteries cause restricted blood supply to the heart, but the data showed how the Caerphilly men’s habits had a greater impact on health.

Professor John Gallacher, Director of Dementia Platform UK, who worked on the study with Professor Elwood, said: “The Caerphilly study has been ground-breaking for the range and depth of findings that it has produced with the publication of many hundreds of scientific papers.

“The study shows how collaboration between researchers and the social generosity of a community like Caerphilly can have a truly international impact. Through lessons learned from the Caerphilly study, a new generation of bigger and more detailed population studies has been born.

“Well done, Caerphilly!”

With 90 per cent of the men in the area signing up to take part, Caerphilly was chosen because it was home to a diverse mix of people living with varying conditions of health, making it representative of the wider population in Wales.

Dr Nicola Williams, National Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales said: “This is one of the most important studies of its time. It provides research evidence behind some of the best-known health advice that we have today. The study really highlights how research is integral to improving the health of people in Wales and beyond.

"The men of Caerphilly were central to this vital work, and we celebrate and thank them for their commitment and contribution - it clearly demonstrates the importance and benefit of people taking part in research. We have so many valuable studies happening in Wales today and opportunities for people in Wales to help develop the treatments and care of the future. Without them, research would not be possible.”

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