The Burden of Lifestyle Diseases: A Global Health Challenge

NirogGyan
4 min readJul 22, 2023

India is a youth-centric country, and most of them are health concerned by following a healthy diet. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other Institutes conduct studies on lifestyle disease. According to the ICMR India State-Level Disease Burden Study report:

“India: Health of the Nation’s States”, the estimated proportion of all deaths due to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) has increased from 37.09% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016.

Lifestyle diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases, are diseases that are primarily caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. These diseases are chronic and are responsible for a significant burden of disease globally. According to WHO:

The rise of lifestyle diseases has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, affecting both developed and developing countries. Factors such as urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and the increasing availability of processed and unhealthy foods have contributed to the escalating prevalence of these diseases. The consequences of lifestyle diseases are far-reaching, not only affecting individual health but also placing a considerable strain on healthcare systems and economies.

India is a developing country and the lifestyle disease burden is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries, where a major portion of the population may not have access to healthy food or safe environments for physical activity. We can see that in India the burden of non-communicable diseases is compounded by infectious diseases, leading to a double burden of disease.

Furthermore, lifestyle diseases are major contributors to premature mortality and reduced quality of life. These conditions often lead to complications and disabilities that significantly impact individuals’ ability to lead productive and fulfilling lives. The loss of productive years due to disability and premature death results in substantial economic losses for countries and reduces overall productivity.

Non -communicable diseases or NCDs, of which lifestyle diseases are a part, claim 41 million lives annually, which is over 70% of all deaths across the globe. Of these, over 15 million deaths occur among people in the age band of 30 to 69 years. In India, NCDs claim 6 million lives.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases account for around 71% of all deaths globally. The four main types of non-communicable diseases are:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Cancer,
  • Chronic respiratory diseases
  • Diabetes

These diseases are largely preventable through lifestyle changes, yet they continue to be a major cause of premature death and disability worldwide.

Individuals who have or experience lifestyle diseases often have a reduced quality of life and may be unable to participate in daily activities. Healthcare is costly and chronic conditions can also be tough to manage, placing a financial burden on individuals and families. The burden of NCDs on healthcare systems is also significant, with costs associated with treatment, hospitalization, and long-term care.

Additionally, early detection and timely management of lifestyle diseases are crucial. Investing in healthcare systems that emphasize preventive care and regular screenings can help identify health issues at an early stage when interventions are most effective and cost-efficient. Encouraging regular check-ups and health assessments can empower individuals to take charge of their health and prevent potential complications.

Individuals can also take steps to prevent lifestyle diseases by making healthy choices in their daily lives. This includes engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress.

Collaboration between governments, healthcare organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders is vital to combat the burden of lifestyle diseases effectively. By working together, resources can be pooled, expertise shared, and innovative solutions developed to address the root causes of lifestyle diseases.

In conclusion, the lifestyle disease burden is a significant global health challenge that requires urgent action. By promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing the underlying social, economic, and environmental determinants of health, we can reduce the burden of NCDs and improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

This is why it is important for patients to understand the importance of adherence to their treatment plan and take responsibility for their own health. Labs and hospitals have started to make patients aware of this and NirogGyan offers to help each organization with our user-friendly interactive smart reports to facilitate better treatment adherence, whether it involves medication, physical therapy, or any other healthcare provider-prescribed treatment. By following the treatment plan along with lifestyle tips in our reports, individuals can enhance their overall health and well-being. NirogGyan is here to make that process easier.

But, #labreports can often be difficult to understand and interpret, with technical jargon and medical terms that can be overwhelming for both patients and physicians. This can make it challenging for individuals to take charge of their health, as they may not fully understand the results of their lab tests. NirogGyan addresses this issue by providing clear and concise reports that are easy to understand, giving #patients and #physicians the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. Labs need not worry about their reports conveying the information correctly or not. Our reports will not only increase patient engagement but will increase patient engagement as well. This can lead to improved efficiency and accuracy in medical analysis, ultimately resulting in better patient care.

“Say goodbye to confusing lab reports and hello to NIROGGYAN! Upgrade your healthcare game and experience the difference in patient care.”

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NirogGyan
NirogGyan

Written by NirogGyan

Creating a health-conscious world with patient-friendly medical reports

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