New Delhi: According to an annual health report by Apollo Hospitals, the prevalence of obesity and early risk factors such as dyslipidemia or cholesterol irregularities is set to increase by 50% and 18%, respectively, between 2019 and 2022.
The report pointed to the rising trend of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a significant increase in early risk factors.
“The prevalence of obesity among Indians is set to increase by 50% between 2019 and 2022. Obesity diagnoses have increased by 43% in people under the age of 45 and 60% in those over the age of 45. Dyslipidemia or cholesterol irregularities have seen an 18% increase in prevalence among Indians between 2019 and 2022. This is also evidenced by a significant increase in its prevalence of more than 35% in people over the age of 45,” the report said.
Diagnoses of diabetes and hypertension are expected to increase by 8% and 11%, respectively, between 2019 and 2022. Chronic stress and anxiety increase the risk of high blood pressure by 1.5 times and diabetes by 2 times. Men with chronic stress have twice the risk of developing diabetes than women.”
“Preventive healthcare needs to become a national priority. Over the past 3 decades, non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of death and suffering, contributing to 65% of deaths in India. NCDs affect not only health but also productivity and economic development. The estimated economic burden on India is expected to be around $4.8 trillion by 2030. As the youngest and fastest growing major economy in the world, the health of our nation is an important indicator of our future, and the health of our people will determine how effectively we live up to our full potential. We need a proactive and highly defined strategy to reduce the impact of NCDs. And the best solution lies in prevention,” said Prathap Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Grau.
The increase in preventive screening has also led to an increase in early diagnosis of risk factors such as obesity and dyslipidemia (abnormality of cholesterol) among Indians of all age groups. “These are signs of possible onset of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and a wake-up call for individuals to make early changes in their lifestyle behaviours,” he said.
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