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The ancient adage “prevention is better than cure” resonates more strongly today than ever before, as modern lifestyles increasingly contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and even cancer. Experts emphasize that adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential to mitigating the risks associated with these non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are becoming a significant health threat worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are responsible for 41 million deaths annually, accounting for 74% of all global deaths. In light of these staggering statistics, healthcare professionals are advocating for a proactive approach to health management.
“Preventing chronic diseases like cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity requires a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and early detection,” said Dr. Vinus Taneja, Consultant at the Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “Lifestyle changes, stress management, and regular health check-ups can significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life,” he added.
Dr. Sunil Kumar Chaudhary, Consultant – Internal Medicine at Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of diet and exercise in disease prevention. “NCDs can be prevented by following a nutritious diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also key to bolstering your body’s defenses,” Dr. Chaudhary advised.
Recent data from the ‘Health of the Nation’ report by Apollo Hospitals underscores the growing prevalence of obesity and hypertension in India. The report found that approximately three in four Indians are either obese or overweight, with obesity rates doubling from 9% in 2016 to 20% in 2023. Hypertension rates also rose, from 9% in 2016 to 13% in 2023, with 66% of Indians now in the pre-hypertensive stage. Alarmingly, one in 10 people have uncontrolled diabetes, and one in three are prediabetic, indicating a growing public health crisis.
The ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) also recently released dietary guidelines revealing that over 10% of individuals aged 5-19 are prediabetic. The WHO projects that as of March 2024, 77 million Indians over the age of 18 have type 2 diabetes, with an additional 25 million classified as prediabetic. These numbers are expected to rise in the coming years, underscoring the urgent need for lifestyle interventions.
The rise in NCDs can be attributed to various factors, including unhealthy diets high in sugar, salt, and fat, sedentary lifestyles, exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol consumption, environmental factors such as rising air pollution, and an ageing population.
Dr. Kalpana Nagpal, Senior Consultant ENT at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, emphasized the importance of vaccinations in disease prevention. “Vaccines are crucial in preventing various diseases,” she noted, highlighting the need for regular medical check-ups, as many conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers, often present no symptoms in their early stages. “Regular check-ups can help identify these conditions early, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Timely medical attention for symptoms like lumps, ulcers, and cancer is also crucial. Regular colonoscopies and sleep studies are recommended, especially for those over 40,” Dr. Nagpal added.
As NCDs continue to rise, experts urge individuals to take proactive steps towards healthier lifestyles, stressing that prevention through lifestyle modification is a vital strategy in combating these life-threatening conditions.
