By Dr. Dimbeswar Das, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine & Diabetologist, Peerless Hospital, Guwahati
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Nearly a century ago, Gandhiji reminded us that the human body is a temple, not a vessel for indulgence. His words remain profoundly relevant today as we confront the rising tide of lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The Changing Health Landscape in India
Over the past few decades, India’s health profile has shifted dramatically. Infectious diseases and maternal-child mortality, once the leading concerns, have given way to an epidemic of chronic, lifestyle-driven illnesses.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), three of the five leading causes of disease burden in India are now NCDs. Alarmingly, more than 60% of all deaths in India are due to NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung conditions, and cancers. What’s more concerning is that these conditions are appearing in younger populations, at a faster rate than in many Western countries.
Silent Killers: The Hidden Threat
Diseases like hypertension and diabetes often progress silently, without noticeable symptoms for years. Many people discover them only after serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure. This makes regular health check-ups crucial for early detection and timely intervention.
Why Are Lifestyle Diseases Rising?
The surge in NCDs is closely linked to modern lifestyles:
- Sedentary habits from technology-driven, urban living.
- Unhealthy diets high in processed foods, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Tobacco and alcohol use, adding significant risks.
- Chronic stress and mental health challenges that weaken overall health.
- Pollution and environmental factors, increasingly worsening outcomes.
Beyond Diabetes & Hypertension
Lifestyle diseases extend far beyond the commonly known conditions. They include:
- Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol) & coronary heart diseases
- Obesity & MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease)
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Cancers linked to diet, tobacco, and lifestyle
- Mental health disorders (anxiety, depression)
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Gastric and digestive disorders
These illnesses often begin subtly in early life, progressing into serious complications if neglected.
A Burden on Families and Society
Urban and rural India now show narrowing differences in lifestyle disease prevalence, fueled by industrialisation, affluence, and increased life expectancy. The burden is not only medical but also financial and emotional, as advanced treatments for NCDs can be overwhelming without proper insurance or savings.
Prevention: The Strongest Medicine
The most important truth about lifestyle diseases is that they are largely preventable. Small, consistent steps can significantly lower risks:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Engaging in regular physical activity (brisk walking, yoga, cycling) for at least 30 minutes most days.
- Practicing stress management through yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
- Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, and undergoing routine screenings for silent conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol disorders.
Role of Families, Schools & Communities
Health education must start early. Parents and teachers play a critical role in shaping healthy habits, while peer influence during adolescence also affects choices. Early interventions can prevent lifelong battles with lifestyle diseases.
At the community level, supportive environments and policies are essential. Government initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Cancer, and Stroke (NPCDCS) aim to promote prevention and early detection. Globally, the World Health Organization has set a target to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by 25% by 2025. But real change requires more than policies – it needs coordinated, collective action.
A Collective Responsibility
The fight against NCDs is not just a medical challenge; it is a societal one. By embracing healthier lifestyles, educating children, supporting community initiatives, and strengthening public health systems, we can curb this growing crisis.
Prevention is not merely a personal choice – it is a responsibility towards ourselves, our families, and future generations. Health, indeed, is the truest wealth we can ever possess.