Amidst rising concerns over the health of the nation, experts shed light on the factors contributing to the surge in disease cases across India. Stress, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy habits like junk food, smoking, and alcohol consumption have been identified as major culprits behind the escalating rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to a recent report by Apollo Hospitals.
The report reveals alarming statistics, indicating that one in three Indians is pre-diabetic, two in three are pre-hypertensive, and one in 10 suffers from depression. The prevalence of NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders has reached critical levels, posing a significant threat to public health.
Dr. Anil Arora, Chairman of Gastroenterology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, emphasized the concerning trend of younger generations experiencing diseases previously uncommon in their age group. He highlighted the rise in fatty liver diseases, obesity, diabetes, and coronary artery diseases among the youth, with instances of heart attacks and strokes becoming increasingly frequent.
Attributing these health challenges to a combination of stress and sedentary lifestyles, Dr. Arora stressed the urgent need for preventive measures and lifestyle interventions.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Ishwar Gilada echoed similar concerns, citing the impact of altered lifestyles on the youth’s susceptibility to diseases. He pointed to unhealthy habits such as excessive consumption of junk food, smoking, and alcohol as major contributors to the rising disease burden.
Dr. Gilada also raised concerns about the work-from-home culture adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing its negative implications on physical activity and overall health. He urged individuals to take responsibility for their health by adopting healthier habits and lifestyles, including regular exercise, balanced diets, and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol.
As India grapples with the escalating burden of NCDs, experts emphasize the importance of proactive measures at both individual and societal levels to address the root causes of these health challenges and promote overall well-being.