Unhealthy Lifestyle Increases Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases: Experts

Recent studies have revealed that non-communicable diseases are becoming more prevalent worldwide. Experts attribute this rise to factors such as globalization, urbanization, population growth, lifestyle changes, and environmental pollution. According to the experts, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and other diseases are increasing due to unhealthy lifestyles.

Cardiologist Dr. Rajendra Koju observes that most patients who visit the OPD suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, chest pain, and heart problems—all non-communicable diseases. He notes that many people neglect their health despite knowing that healthy eating and regular exercise keep the body fit. The lack of discipline in diet has also led to a rise in childhood obesity.

"People consume excessive fat and sweets but do not engage in physical exercise, leading to fat accumulation. Additionally, pollution has made many people ill," says Dr. Koju.

40 Million Die Annually from Non-Communicable Diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 40 million people die annually from non-communicable diseases, accounting for 74 percent of global deaths. Of these, 17 million die before the age of 70. Low- and middle-income countries account for 77 percent of these deaths.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) cause 17.9 million deaths annually, cancer 9.3 million, and chronic respiratory diseases 4.1 million. The main cause of non-communicable diseases is an unhealthy lifestyle, with tobacco use, lack of physical exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, unhealthy diets, and air pollution playing significant roles. Non-communicable diseases typically have long-term and slow effects.

A 2019 study conducted by the Ministry of Health and Population and the Nepal Health Research Council, with support from WHO, found that more than 71 percent of deaths in Nepal are due to non-communicable diseases.

Focus on Prevention

Non-communicable diseases, which are not transmitted from person to person or through microorganisms, can affect people of any age. While these diseases may not be curable, they can often be prevented through lifestyle changes.

Diabetes specialist Dr. Jyoti Bhattarai explains, "Besides genetics, many people develop fatty liver, despite appearing thin, due to poor diets and lack of exercise. Unbalanced diets and sugary drinks contribute to diabetes, which can lead to complications like kidney failure, leg amputation, and heart attacks." Dr Bhattarai emphasizes the need to raise awareness among students and parents to prevent non-communicable diseases. Regular exercise, consuming fiber-rich foods, avoiding processed foods, and eating home-cooked meals can help prevent diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

Detecting non-communicable diseases early and managing them promptly can prevent complications and premature death. Experts recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle during childhood and youth to avoid these diseases in adulthood.

Dr. Pomawati Thapa, head of the Non-Communicable and Mental Health Division under the Ministry of Health and Population, identifies smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and processed foods as the main causes of non-communicable diseases.

The government has introduced the PEN program (Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases) in all districts to prevent these diseases. Dr. Thapa states, “This program aims to identify, screen, and treat non-communicable diseases at the community level. The government has also launched cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination programs. Additionally, the PEN Plus program has been implemented in six districts to prevent complex, long-term non-communicable diseases in children and adolescents. Multi-sectoral coordination is essential for preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases.”

Dr. Koju stresses the importance of parents teaching their children to adopt healthy lifestyles. "The habit of constantly looking at mobile phones increases stress levels. It's important to eat healthy foods like vegetables and fruits, reduce sugary drinks, and exercise regularly to avoid many diseases," says Dr. Koju.

He adds that parents should encourage sports rather than allow children to become addicted to mobile phones and TV. "The state should advocate for healthy lifestyles in the school curriculum and create spaces for exercise," he suggests.

As non-communicable diseases continue to rise globally, Nepal has developed a multi-sectoral action plan (2021-2025) to systematically prevent and control them. The country aims to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases by 25 percent by 2025. Similarly, the Sustainable Development Goals include a target to reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases by one-third. -- RSS