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The Urban Indian's Dilemma: Coping with Lifestyle Diseases

Dr. Swati Kaktikar

4 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Lifestyle diseases have become a buzzword among urban Indians. They are also known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With changing lifestyles and rapid urbanization, the incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases has increased significantly. The sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and stress have contributed to this rise.

The fast-paced urban life, long working hours, and the lack of time for physical activities and exercise have resulted in the surge of these diseases. It’s high time we address this issue and take measures to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In this article, we’ll discuss the various lifestyle diseases among urban Indians and how we can manage them effectively.

Lifestyle Diseases Among Urban Indians: An Overview

Lifestyle diseases refer to diseases caused by the way we live our lives. They are chronic diseases caused by lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. These diseases include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

Did you know that if we don’t take timely action to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the total annual number of deaths from NCDs worldwide could reach 55 million by 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)?*

In India alone, almost 6 million people die from NCDs every year, which means that 1 out of every 4 Indians has a risk of dying from an NCD before they reach the age of 70. This is a concerning statistic that highlights the importance of taking action to prevent NCDs.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) in India conducted a report that showed the contribution of NCDs to the total disease burden (disability-adjusted life years) increased from 30% in 1990 to 55% in 2016. Additionally, the proportion of deaths due to NCDs increased from 37% in 1990 to 61% in 2016, indicating a rapid shift in disease burden towards NCDs.

It’s important for us to understand that NCDs are a significant health concern in India and worldwide. By taking steps to prevent and control NCDs through healthy lifestyle choices, we can work towards a healthier future for all.

What are the causes of lifestyle diseases?

The following are some main causes of lifestyle diseases:

Unhealthy diet

One of the main causes of lifestyle diseases in urban India is an unhealthy diet. People tend to consume high amounts of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and fat. This increases the risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, many people in urban India consume low amounts of fruits and vegetables, leading to nutritional deficiencies and a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Physical inactivity

Another cause of lifestyle diseases is lack of exercise. Long work hours and accessibility to transportation can make it difficult for people to find time to exercise. Physical inactivity can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems.

Tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption

Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are also major contributors to lifestyle diseases in urban India. Smoking is one of the main leading causes of lung cancer and also other respiratory diseases, while excessive alcohol consumption, on the other hand, can cause liver damage, high blood pressure, and other health problems.

Consequences of lifestyle diseases

Living with a lifestyle disease is not only a physical challenge but also a financial one. The medical expenses associated with chronic diseases can be overwhelming, especially for those not financially prepared. The cost of medications, doctor visits, hospital stays, and surgeries can add up quickly, making it difficult for many people to manage.

Not only do lifestyle diseases increase medical expenses, but they also take a toll on a person’s quality of life. Imagine living with a disease that limits your ability to do the things you love, such as playing with your children, traveling, or even going for a walk. Chronic conditions can also lead to disabilities, making working and earning a living difficult. This, in turn, can lead to reduced productivity and early retirement, impacting a person’s financial stability and independence.

It’s important to remember that lifestyle diseases are preventable, and by taking steps to live a healthy lifestyle, we can reduce the risk of developing these diseases.

Solutions to combat lifestyle diseases

The rise of lifestyle diseases in urban India is a significant health concern, but it’s not a problem without a solution. You can take several steps to prevent and combat these diseases, but it has to start with you.

Personal responsibility is very crucial in combating lifestyle diseases. We can make a conscious effort to eat healthy foods and increase our physical activity, even in small ways. For example, opting for a home-cooked meal instead of takeout or taking a walk during our lunch break can make a huge difference in our overall health.

It’s important to remember that these changes don’t have to be drastic or overwhelming. Small, sustainable changes over time can significantly impact our health and well-being. By making these changes, we benefit not only ourselves but also our families, communities, and society as a whole.

Long-term care plan to manage long-term health issues

Are you tired of dealing with long-term health issues on your own? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to manage your diabetes or lose weight, but nothing seems to work? Don’t give up hope just yet! MFine’s Long-Term Care Programs are here to help.

Living with a chronic medical condition can be emotionally and physically exhausting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our program provides personalized care plans tailored specifically to your needs to help you manage your health issues and achieve your goals.

With our team of expert doctors, nutritionists, and Fitness coaches, you’ll receive ongoing support and guidance to help you achieve your health goals. We understand that managing a chronic condition can be challenging, but we believe it’s possible to live a healthy and fulfilling life with the right tools and resources.

Whether you’re struggling with diabetes, weight management, or other long-term health issues, our program can help you take control of your health and improve your quality of life.

So don’t wait any longer. Join our Long-Term Care Programs today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you. We can’t wait to help you on your journey to wellness.

Read all about the Diabetes Care Program and the significance of weight loss in diabetes management.

Conclusion

Lifestyle diseases are a major health concern in urban India. By understanding the causes and consequences of these diseases, we can take steps to prevent them — eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and monitoring are some ways to do so. Remember, small changes can greatly impact our overall health and well-being, so take control of your health today and lead a happy and healthy life.