The Alarming Rise of Lifestyle Diseases in India
As the world faces a pandemic, there’s a silent killer steadily plaguing India, one that’s only getting worse with each passing year – lifestyle diseases. With India having undergone massive developmental changes over the past few decades, things like urbanization, industrialization, and globalization have brought with them a shift in daily lifestyles and trends. Unfortunately, these changes have led to an increase in the prevalence of diseases that were ever so rare in India before. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the alarming rise of lifestyle diseases in India.
What are Lifestyle Diseases?
Lifestyle diseases are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that result from a defective lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle, consumption of processed food, stress, and addiction, among other factors, are known to be the leading causes of lifestyle diseases. These diseases include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and cancer, to mention just a few.
The Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases in India
As per a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), India’s lifestyle diseases burden today is expected to surge to approximately 74% by 2025, making India one of the most affected countries globally. According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), at least one in five Indians is affected by hypertension, putting them at a four-fold increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, diabetes has gone from being comparatively uncommon to affecting more than 70 million people in India alone, with India being ranked second globally in terms of diabetic populations. The prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in rural India, too, is estimated at over 50%.
The Root Causes of Lifestyle Diseases
The primary cause of lifestyle diseases in India can be traced back to an unhealthy lifestyle. Overconsumption of junk food and lack of physical activity are on the rise, with individuals now choosing a more sedentary way of life. The stress that comes with a rapidly changing world is another contributing factor. Additionally, people tend to smoke, drink excessively, and consume more commonly known addictive substances, all of which are heavily linked to lifestyle disease.
The Implications of Lifestyle Diseases
Lifestyle diseases have a tremendous negative impact on an individual’s life, both in terms of financial and personal well-being. The cost of medication and hospitalization can be steep, and the disease itself can have considerable consequences like heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening complications. Moreover, diseases like heart disease and diabetes not only negatively impact the individual but also have a ripple effect on the economy.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention is always better than cure, and lifestyle diseases are no exception. Simple lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, avoiding processed food and refined oils, and managing stress can significantly reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases. Medical professionals work towards developing a treatment plan once a patient has been diagnosed with a lifestyle disease to help them manage the condition, keep it under control and lead a healthy life.
Conclusion
Lifestyle diseases have emerged as a public health emergency in India, with an increase in the prevalence being witnessed in the past few years. It’s imperative that we all act as responsible citizens and make lifestyle changes that will help us reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases. The rise of lifestyle diseases in India must be addressed as a pressing concern to better the health of people and ensure a thriving economy.
