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Stress and lack of sleep majorly contribute to metabolic disorders. (AI Generated Image)
Indian lifestyle has undergone significant changes over the past few decades that have led to several health implications, unintentionally paving the path for a silent epidemic – metabolic disorders. For Indian men in particular, these lifestyle changes have translated into a rising burden of chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Recent estimates suggest that nearly 26% of Indian men may be living with metabolic syndrome or lifestyle disorders, which are conditions that significantly increase the risk of long-term complications and early mortality. With these lifestyle disorders becoming increasingly common, affecting men at younger ages and across both urban and rural settings, there is an urgent need to understand and manage this growing health concern.
As we observe Men’s Health Week, it is an important moment to spotlight these silent but escalating threats. Dr Ramesh Menon, Associate Director of Personal Genomics and Genomic Medicine, MedGenome, Bengaluru talks about the risks, the need for making early lifestyle changes, and undergoing regular health check-ups.
Uncovering the New Drivers of Men’s Health Risks
While not always life-threatening, metabolic disorders serve as subtle precursors to more serious cardiovascular events such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, posing a considerable health hazard. Dr Menon says, “With an often disproportionately higher incidence in men, these disorders have traditionally been associated with smoking, excess alcohol, and sedentary lifestyles, which drive metabolic dysfunction. However, today the reasons go beyond these evident causes.”
Dr Menon adds, “Chronic stress and sleep deprivation, for example, are now acknowledged as major non-traditional contributors to metabolic disorders. Apart from its psychological effects, stress also triggers hormonal changes, including higher cortisol levels, which can directly lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, and hypertension, all of which give rise to metabolic imbalance.”
This complex interplay of factors culminates in a set of conditions collectively known as metabolic disorders, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep disturbances, and fatty liver disease. They increase the risk of life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and strokes, as they frequently advance without any symptoms until serious harm has been done.
Revealing Alarming Trends with Data
Dr Menon says, “A landmark report published in 2023 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found a much greater prevalence of metabolic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) than was previously estimated, indicating the urgency of addressing metabolic disorders in the country. The study also highlighted a higher urban than rural prevalence for most metabolic NCDs, signifying the impact of urbanisation and changing lifestyles.”
Other studies have found growing and higher prevalence of these diseases in men as compared to women. Dr Menon continued, “The National Family Health Survey 2019–2021 stated that hypertension prevalence was 30.3% among men and 28.6% among women, and diabetes prevalence was 19.7% among men and 17.4% among women. Though there is no consolidated report, across regions in the country, fatty liver disease also has a predominance among men, with a prevalence ranging between 24.6–76.6%, while it’s between 13.6–35.13% among women.”
Dr Menon also revealed how the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) reported that NCDs, which are typically present in individuals aged 55 years or older in many developed countries, have their onset in India a decade earlier (≥45 years of age). This accelerated progression underscores a unique and pressing public health challenge.
The Risk Beyond Lifestyle
Besides these lifestyle and environmental factors, genetic makeup also predisposes individuals to metabolic disorders. One of the most effective tools for early intervention is knowing one’s genetic risk. Genetic screening can identify inherited predispositions such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, enabling individuals to make informed lifestyle choices.
Key Preventive Strategies
Dr Menon shares some lifestyle changes that can help you take care of your health.
By recognising the contributing risk factors, acknowledging the influence of genetics, and embracing proactive lifestyle changes, meaningful steps can be taken toward preventing metabolic disorders.
Delhi, India, India
