How to Combat Rising Lifestyle Illnesses in India?

An Overview of the Rising Lifestyle Illnesses in India

Modern conveniences can be a blessing to your busy life. However, it can quickly become a curse, turning your lifestyle choices into unhealthy ones. Because of this reason, India is experiencing a silent epidemic of lifestyle disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. These illnesses spread quietly among all age groups in urban, semi-urban and rural regions. Subsequently, as these lifestyle diseases increase, individuals are slowly becoming more aware of their prevention.

In this blog, we will discuss the most common lifestyle diseases, their causes, impacts, and prevention. So, keep reading to find out.

Understanding Lifestyle Diseases

Unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices silently lead to a national health emergency in the country. Lifestyle disorders like diabetes, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, kidney disorders, lipid disorders, and fatty liver are fast gaining prominence all over India. They are being triggered to a large extent by a sedentary lifestyle, inappropriate diet, high levels of stress, physical inactivity, and excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods.

In addition, a study of health data collected from 2.8 million people showed that one in every two Indians is at risk, with 52% of the affected being women and 48% men. Hence, this spreading epidemic requires immediate, concerted action at the individual, community, and policy levels to mitigate its effects.

Most Common Diseases in India

Below are 6 of the most common lifestyle disorders affecting millions across the country:

1. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)

CVDs, such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, are the main cause of death worldwide and in India. Sedentary urban lifestyles and stress are major contributors to this increasing health hazard. Moreover, high blood pressure, tobacco consumption, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, and diabetes are risk factors.

2. Diabetes

Mainly caused by poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle, Type 2 is the most common in India. Shockingly, the incidence in urban communities has increased from 2% in the 1970s to almost 40% in the recent period. Increased sugar consumption, low fibre, and obesity are major causes.

3. Cancer

Lifestyle habits of smoking, unhealthy diet, and exposure to carcinogens are associated with cancers such as lung, breast, colorectal, and cervical in most cases. Approximately 20% of cancer is caused by modifiable lifestyle factors and toxins in the environment.

4. Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs)

Chronic diseases like COPD and asthma are underdiagnosed but prevalent, particularly among women. The most prevalent trigger factors include air pollution, smoking, and occupational exposure to dust and chemicals.

5. Obesity

Obesity has doubled from 1955 to 2015 in India, including adults and even children. The desk-bound lifestyle and ready-to-eat high-calorie foods are direct causes.

6. Hypertension

Most commonly referred to as a "silent killer," hypertension is a common condition across eastern and northern India, but especially among males. Furthermore, chronic tension, unhealthy diets, and limited exercise are large contributors to this health issue.

Key Factors Contributing to Lifestyle Illnesses

The following are the major factors contributing to lifestyle disorders in India:

Poor Dietary Habits

Daily food habits consisting of processed foods, sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives cause obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and fibre leads to a lack of necessary nutrients in the body, raising the risk of lifestyle diseases.

Physical Inactivity

A sedentary life, excessive screen time, and failure to exercise regularly are major causes of the most common diseases in India. An inactive lifestyle reduces metabolism and enhances fat deposition, resulting in long-term health issues.

Tobacco and Alcohol Use

Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are major causes of preventable diseases. Tobacco use is associated with lung disease, cancer, and high blood pressure, while alcoholism raises the risk of liver disease, stroke, and heart disease.

Mental Health Problems and Stress

Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety lead to unhealthy lifestyles of poor nutrition, smoking, and physical inactivity, adding to the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Environmental and Socioeconomic Determinants

Pollution, urbanisation, and poor access to healthcare exacerbate heart and respiratory disease. Limited funds and low awareness slow down disease prevention and control.

Family History

A history of family diabetes or CVD makes one more susceptible, particularly when accompanied by an unhealthy lifestyle.

Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases

Even though it may feel tough to prevent lifestyle disorders, it is not that difficult a task. Here are a few preventive methods which can be followed to avoid these diseases:

Follow a Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats will help avoid diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. So, avoiding processed foods loaded with added sugars and trans fats for optimal metabolic health is a healthy option.

Regular Physical Exercise

Including at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, like walking, cycling, or yoga, keeps cardiovascular health in check, controls blood sugar, and enhances overall fitness.

Effective Stress Management

Stress can lead to hormonal imbalances and cardiovascular issues. Methods such as meditation, slow breathing, and spending time outdoors can alleviate stress and enhance mental health.

Prioritise Quality Sleep

Poor sleeping habits interfere with hormone balance and can cause weight gain and insulin resistance. Therefore, keeping a regular sleep schedule and limiting pre-bedtime screen exposure can enhance sleep quality.

Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake

Decreasing or giving up smoking and drinking in moderation substantially reduces the risk of liver, heart, and metabolic disease.

Final Thoughts

Overall, India is at a crossroads between rapid modernisation and an increasing wave of lifestyle disorders. While the situation is serious, the control is modifying your daily lifestyle. Small adjustments such as healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding bad habits can safeguard your future health. Therefore, the time has come to prioritise prevention over cure. Through knowledge and intentional lifestyle choices, we can create a new narrative of health for ourselves and future generations.