Study unveils lifestyle disorders are on the rise: 1 in 2 Indians at risk

Team L&M

A comprehensive study conducted by Redcliffe Labs unveils some scary truth about the nation’s health. The study analysed health data from 2.8 million individuals across the country, wherein 1 in every 2 individuals was found to be affected with lifestyle disorders, 52% females and 48% males.

The burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is on the rise in India with each passing day. Historically, healthcare in India has been impacted by infectious diseases. Still, with the necessary measures by the government, social and private institutions, like improved sanitization, better infrastructure, accessibility, and awareness, were significantly reduced.

There has been a significant shift in the disease pattern in India. Today, a large portion of the Indian population is grappling with chronic health conditions like Diabetes, Thyroid, Lipid imbalances, Renal Disorders, Fatty Liver, Thyroid, Arthritis, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Cancer. The blame for these undesirable, manageable, and preventable health issues can be attributed to rapid urbanization, sedentary living, dietary changes, stress, digital addiction, and the easy availability of ultra-processed junk foods.

Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth, Chief Pathologist at Redcliffe Labs, said, “This data indicates that non-communicable diseases are no longer limited to older adults. We see these conditions affecting people across all age groups and genders. Talking about the nation, NCDs have grown from 9% to 20%, and the mortality rate due to preventable & curable NCDs has touched approximately 62%. This is a health crisis for the nation, and only prevention is the key to curb the same. To bring about the change, we all need to take charge of changing ourselves by adopting an active lifestyle, switching back to nutritious food, and making a periodic health check mandatory to monitor our vitals. Early detection helps make informed decisions and reverse the rising risk of chronic health conditions.

Preventive healthcare measures are not just important, they are crucial in addressing this rising burden. The first step in this direction is raising awareness about the situation and the role each individual can play in preventing it.

Aditya Kandoi, Founder and CEO of Redcliffe Labs, emphasizes that the numbers of 1 in 2 individuals at lifestyle disease risk are shocking. While Redcliffe Labs is committed to Giving India its Right to Quality Diagnostics, it is high time that our community Pledged to Prevention for Better Health & Well-being. We, as the largest democracy in the world, have the power to make wiser choices for a progressive nation, setting the right example for future generations. With over 14.4 Million children obese in India, which is the leading cause of NCDs, we need to take it seriously and take measures, starting today.

The easier access to processed food and the increasing tendency toward sedentary lifestyles have directly contributed to the growing burden of lifestyle disorders. This is a call to action for individuals to make more mindful decisions, adopt healthier habits, and prioritize preventive healthcare. Each of us has the power to make a difference, and the role of early diagnostics in managing and mitigating these conditions cannot be overstated.”

Redcliffe Labs has been proactive in raising awareness about preventive healthcare. Through our digital and on-ground community engagement activities, we reached over 7.2 million individuals on World Heart Day 2024 and approximately 9.34 million people on World Diabetes Day 2024. Awareness and timely actions will lead to a healthier, happier Bharat.

This study serves as a critical reminder for individuals and all stakeholders alike to prioritize preventive healthcare as a cornerstone for addressing the growing health challenges of our country.