In today’s fast-paced world, health often takes a backseat. Many of us get so caught up in our routines that we fail to notice how our lifestyle choices—such as lack of exercise, poor diet, chronic stress, and irregular sleep—are silently taking a toll on our bodies. As a result, lifestyle diseases have emerged as one of the most pressing health concerns in India.

In 2024, India is experiencing a significant surge in conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart disease, which are affecting millions across both urban and rural areas.

Key Trends and Statistics: Lifestyle Diseases in India

Let’s take a closer look at what current reports reveal about the alarming rise of lifestyle-related health issues in the country:

• Rising Prevalence:
  India, often dubbed the “diabetes capital of the world,” is witnessing a steady increase in the number of people living with diabetes.
• Leading Cause of Mortality:
  Cardiovascular diseases (heart conditions) now account for nearly 28% of all deaths in India.
• The Obesity Epidemic:
  Obesity is spreading rapidly—especially in urban areas—where 39% of adults are now overweight or obese.
• Other Common Lifestyle Conditions:
  Hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and certain lifestyle-linked cancers are rising at an unprecedented rate.
• As per the Economic Survey 2024:
  A staggering 54% of the total disease burden is linked to unhealthy diets and poor lifestyle habits.
• Rural vs. Urban Divide:
  According to the National Medical Commission (NMC), the rise in hypertension and diabetes is no longer limited to cities—rural areas are now equally at risk.
• GOQii India Fit Report 2024:
  The report revealed that 45% of Indians are at high risk of developing lifestyle diseases.

Types of Lifestyle Diseases

Lifestyle diseases are long-term health conditions caused by poor daily habits, environmental factors, and genetics. Some of the most common types include:

• Diabetes: Triggered by poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity. Can lead to kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Caused by stress, poor sleep, and high-sodium diets. Increases risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Heart Disease: Often due to high cholesterol, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle. Can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.
• Obesity: Results from overeating and inactivity. Increases the risk of diabetes, joint pain, and hormonal imbalances.
• Cancer (Lifestyle-linked): Certain cancers are linked to smoking, alcohol use, processed food, and pollution.

A Closer Look at the National Impact 

Chronic or non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer—are responsible for 73% of deaths worldwide. In India alone, NCDs account for 53% of total deaths and 44% of all disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost.

The country is undergoing an epidemiological transition, meaning there’s been a shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable ones, mainly due to urbanization, changing diets, and sedentary lifestyles.

According to a report by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, deaths due to NCDs in India increased from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016.

Most Common Lifestyle-Related Diseases in India:

• .Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
• Diabetes
• Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs)
• Certain types of cancer
• Obesity
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol

Notably, cardiovascular disease is the top cause of early-age mortality, contributing to 1 in every 4 deaths in India. Even more concerning is the steep rise in hypertension among both urban and rural populations.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the National Health Policy of India—in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals—aims to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030.