Dr. Dimbeswar Das

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 and not a vessel for indulgence. His words remain profoundly relevant today as we grapple with the rising tide of lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Over the last few decades, India has witnessed a dramatic transition in its disease profile. From an era dominated by infectious diseases, maternal and child mortality, we now face 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. In fact, over 60% of all deaths in India are due to NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung conditions, and cancers. Worryingly, these conditions are striking younger populations in India at a faster rate than in many Western nations.

Often called silent killers, diseases like hypertension and diabetes progress quietly for years without obvious symptoms. Many people discover them only after severe complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure, making periodic health check-ups essential for early detection.

The reasons behind this rise in lifestyle diseases are deeply linked to the way we live today. Sedentary habits brought on by fast-paced urban life and technology dependence have reduced physical activity. At the same time, unhealthy diets rich in processed foods, excess sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats are becoming the norm.

Tobacco and alcohol use continue to add significant health risks, while rising stress levels and mental health challenges further compound the problem. In addition, pollution and other environmental factors play a growing role in worsening overall health outcomes.

Lifestyle-related NCDs are not limited to diabetes and hypertension alone. A wide spectrum of conditions now affect Indians across age groups, including Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol) and Coronary Heart Diseases, Obesity and Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), Alcohol-related liver disease, Certain cancers linked to diet, tobacco, and lifestyle, Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, Chronic musculoskeletal pain, and Gastric disorders. These conditions often begin silently in early life and, if neglected, progress to serious complications and untimely deaths.

Urban and rural India now show narrowing differences in health outcomes, as lifestyle diseases spread across demographics. Increased life expectancy, industrialisation, and affluence are further fuelling the burden. For families, the challenge is not only medical but also financial and emotional, as advanced treatment costs for NCDs can be overwhelming without health insurance or savings.

The most important message about lifestyle diseases is this: they are largely preventable. Small, consistent steps can go a long way in reducing risk. A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, with moderation in oil, salt, and sugar, is essential.

Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or yoga for at least 30 minutes on most days, helps maintain overall fitness. Equally important is learning to manage stress through practices like yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, and undergoing routine screenings for silent conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia are critical in preventing complications and ensuring long-term health.

Health education should begin at home and school. Parents and teachers play a pivotal role in shaping healthy habits. Peer influence also affects lifestyle choices, making vigilance and guidance essential during adolescence. Early interventions can prevent lifelong struggles with lifestyle diseases.

Individual action alone is not enough. We need supportive environments and policies that make healthy choices easier. Government programs, such as the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Cancer, and Stroke (NPCDCS), focus on prevention and early detection.

The World Health Organization has set global targets to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by 25 percent by 2025. But real impact requires more than policy documents – it demands sincere, coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, from government to workplaces to communities.

The fight against NCDs must be collective. Lifestyle diseases are not inevitable. By embracing healthier habits, educating our children, supporting community health initiatives, and strengthening public health systems, we can reverse this alarming trend. 

Prevention is not merely a personal choice – it is a responsibility towards ourselves, our families, and the generations to come. Health, indeed, is the truest wealth we can ever possess. The author is a Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine & Diabetologist at Peerless Hospital Guwahati. He can be reached at 8099781163.

Dr. Dimbeswar Das, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine & Diabetologist, Peerless Hospital Guwahati

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