With a staggering 50% of Indians at Risk of Lifestyle Disorders, the time for Action is Now.
Common lifestyle disorders impacting Indians include Diabetes, Arthritis, Thyroid, and Lipid issues, leading to increasing cardiovascular problems.
A comprehensive study conducted by Redcliffe Labs has unveiled crucial insights into the nation’s health. The study analyzed health data from 2.8 million individuals across the country, revealing that 1 in every 2 individuals is affected by lifestyle disorders, with 52% being female and 48% male.
The burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) continues to rise in India. Historically, healthcare in the country has been impacted by infectious diseases. However, with necessary measures by the government, social, and private institutions—such as improved sanitization, better infrastructure, accessibility, and awareness—the situation has significantly improved.
There has been a marked shift in disease patterns. Today, a significant portion of the Indian population faces chronic health conditions like Diabetes, Thyroid disorders, Lipid imbalances, Renal Disorders, Fatty Liver, Arthritis, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Cancer. The root causes of these manageable and preventable health issues include rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, dietary changes, stress, digital addiction, and the easy availability of ultra-processed junk foods.
Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth, Chief Pathologist at Redcliffe Labs, commented, “This data shows that non-communicable diseases are no longer limited to older adults. We see these conditions affecting people of all age groups and genders. NCDs have increased from 9% to 20%, and the mortality rate due to preventable & curable NCDs has reached approximately 62%. This is a health crisis for the nation, and prevention is the key to curbing it. We must adopt active lifestyles, revert to nutritious foods, and prioritize periodic health checks to monitor our vitals. Early detection helps in making informed decisions and mitigating the risk of chronic health conditions.”
Preventive healthcare measures are not just important—they are crucial in addressing the rising burden of NCDs. The first step is raising awareness and understanding the role each individual plays in preventing these conditions.
Aditya Kandoi, Founder and CEO of Redcliffe Labs, emphasized, “The fact that 1 in 2 individuals is at risk of lifestyle diseases is alarming. While Redcliffe Labs is committed to giving India its right to quality diagnostics, it’s time our community pledges to prevention for better health and well-being. As the largest democracy in the world, we 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—the leading cause of NCDs—we must take this issue seriously and start taking measures today.”
The easier access to processed foods 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. Early diagnostics play a vital role in managing and mitigating these conditions.
Redcliffe Labs has been proactive in raising awareness about preventive healthcare. Through digital and on-ground community engagement activities, the company 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 action are key to a healthier, happier Bharat.
This study serves as a critical reminder for individuals and all stakeholders to prioritize preventive healthcare as a cornerstone for addressing the growing health challenges facing our country.