Why India is getting more prone to lifestyle disorders?

There are many possible reasons why India is getting more prone to lifestyle disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancer. Some of the common factors that contribute to these diseases are:

• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors are the biggest cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, accounting for 29.7% of the NCD burden. These factors include air pollution, water contamination, exposure to chemicals, and climate change like increase in global warming, El Nino effect, ozone depletion etc. Environmental factors can affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune systems of the people, making them more vulnerable to chronic diseases. And as the people of today’s world are busy in making their own life good without thinking of the earth and environment the condition is getting worst day by day.

• Inactive lifestyle: Another major cause of lifestyle disorders is the lack of physical activity among the Indian population due to very busy schedules. The National Family Health Survey, India (2015-16) found that only 6% of women and 8% of men aged 15-49 engaged in any kind of physical activity. This type of lifestyle can lead to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic disorders. Physical activity can help prevent and manage these diseases by improving blood circulation, reducing blood pressure, lowering blood sugar levels, and maintaining a healthy weight. Doing a little bit of yoga daily could also make you recharged from inside. To live long and a healthy life one must do physical exercise daily.

• Imbalanced diet: A third factor that can also lead to lifestyle disorders is the consumption of unhealthy food and beverages. The National Family Health Survey, India (2015-16) also revealed that only 21% of women and 17% of men aged 15-49 consumed fruits at least once a week, and only 47% of women and 50% of men consumed vegetables daily. On the other hand, 15% of women and 23% of men consumed aerated drinks or soda at least once a week, and 11% of women and 16% of men consumed packaged or processed foods at least once a week. A poor diet can result in many food related deficiencies, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. A balanced and healthy diet can help prevent and control these diseases by providing essential nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and water in the body.
• Intoxication: A fourth factor that influences lifestyle disorders is the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. The National Family Health Survey, India (2015-16) showed that 29% of women and 43% of men aged 15-49 consumed alcohol at least once a week, and 7% of women and 44% of men used any kind of tobacco product. Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs can cause various health problems such as cancer, liver disease, lung disease, mental disorders, and addiction. They can also interfere with the treatment and management of other chronic diseases. Quitting or reducing the intake of these substances can help improve the health and well-being of the people. Many organizations working on it to make the country free from any kind of addiction and cases of drug abuse. Some states like Bihar and Gujrat has completely banned the alcohol to reduce alcohol use and making public lives better. Many such kinds of steps needed to wipe out these kind of problems.

So, these are some of the main reasons why India is getting more prone to lifestyle disorders. However, these diseases are preventable and manageable with proper awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment. The Government has also taken many steps to deal with these serious issues such as The National Health Policy, The National Program for Prevention and control of cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), and the collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and availing the health care services available, the people of India can reduce the chances of lifestyle disorders and improve their quality of life.

-Devendra Kumar (BDS and Academic Director & Author, MCD)