The ancient wisdom of “prevention is best than cure” resonates louder than ever, especially amid rising incidences of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Health experts warn these non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise and adopting preventive lifestyle changes could be the key to protecting oneself against these significant health risks.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs claim about 41 million lives every year, which accounts for approximately 74% of all global deaths. The urgency for preventive measures is highlighted by experts like Dr. Vinus Taneja from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who emphasizes the need for balanced diets coupled with physical activity to fend off diseases like cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.
Hypertension and obesity have shown alarming trends, especially among the Indian population. Dr. Sunil Kumar Chaudhary from Fortis Escorts stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress to bolster the body’s defenses against these growing threats.
A recent report by Apollo Hospitals paints a concerning picture of health among Indians, showing around three out of four adults either overweight or obese. This figure highlights the obesity prevalence, which surged from 9% in 2016 to 20% by 2023.
Hypertension rates have similarly escalated over the same period; it climbed from 9% to 13%. Alarmingly, data indicates two-thirds of India’s population, or 66%, is currently classified as pre-hypertensive.
Data reveals diabetes is yet another worrisome issue, with one in ten individuals suffering from the condition and another third categorized as prediabetic. Experts note this rising trend isn’t confined to older generations, as more young Indians are also confronting the challenge of diabetes and even cancer.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Nutrition, more than 10% of children aged 5 to 19 years are listed as pre-diabetic. The WHO forecasts approximately 77 million Indians aged over 18 will have type 2 diabetes by March 2024, with 25 million more being prediabetic, and these numbers are expected to increase significantly.
What lies at the core of these alarming statistics? Unhealthy lifestyle choices, characterized by high sugar, salt, and fat diets, coupled with sedentary lifestyles, are major contributors. Other contributing factors include tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, and environmental influences like rising air pollution, all exacerbated by the aging population.
Additionally, regular health check-ups are highlighted as lifelines by experts, many chronic diseases are often symptomless during their early stages. Regular screenings are particularly pivotal for identifying conditions like diabetes and hypertension before they escalate.
Dr. Kalpana Nagpal from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has reinforced the necessity of vaccines and regular health assessments. She points out the importance of timely medical advice for conditions such as lumps, ulcers, or potential cancers, underscoring regular procedures like colonoscopies and sleep studies, particularly for patients over 40.
There’s also collaborative research indicating a connection between metabolism and immunity concerning genetic diseases. A team from Vanderbilt University Medical Center explored metabolic genes integral to T cell function, aiming to illuminate pathways for treatment improvements.
They discovered numerous genes linked with metabolic disorders also impact T cell function when they mutate. This newfound connection suggests patients with metabolic disorders might harbor immune defects, potentially influencing their overall healthcare.
On another front, the search for autism treatments is gaining momentum as research suggests genetic links could hold the key. Team from Rockefeller University found the ASTN2 gene could possibly be pivotal for preventing autism spectrum disorder, which affects how individuals communicate, socialize, and behave.
This gene has previously been associated with neuron migration during cerebellar development, indicating its importance extends beyond mere genetic markers to potentially active treatment options. Further exploration is underway to examine how these connections might impact other autism-linked genes.
The discussions around lifestyle changes to combat these growing health concerns are increasingly pertinent. With obesity and NCDs posing grave risks, embracing healthier habits today may lay the groundwork for a healthier tomorrow.
Overall, experts agree urgent lifestyle intervention is necessary to counteract these rising health challenges. The message is clear: preventive measures, regular screenings, and dietary shifts could offer pathways to healthier outcomes and improved quality of life.
Read More: Experts Stress Lifestyle Changes To Combat Rising Health Issues
