Life expectancy, at age 20, for patients treated for HIV increased by more than 15 years from 1996 to 2008, a large cohort study from the UK has shown. Mortality rates from HIV have decreased dramatically over the past few decades through the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The risk of death in patients treated successfully with ART is now similar to that of people with unhealthy lifestyles such as heavy smokers or drinkers, those who are obese or have chronic conditions such as diabetes. HIV infection has itself become a chronic disease with a good prognosis, provided treatment is commenced early and the patient maintains adherence to therapy. [With external links to current evidence]