8 lifestyle mistakes contributing to health problems in India

Nov 7, 2024

By: BI India Bureau

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Lifestyle mistakes

India has seen a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders, and cancer. While there is no single cause for these conditions, there are several common lifestyle mistakes that contribute to their prevalence.

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Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is a leading cause of the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases in India. Factors such as desk jobs, increased screen time and limited opportunities for exercise contribute to this decline in physical activity.

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High-stress levels

Stress affects people of all ages—from school children worried about exams to adults grappling with job pressures. Chronic stress is a major contributor to various health problems.

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Smoking and alcohol consumption

Smoking and alcohol consumption are more widespread than ever before. Despite well-known health risks, these habits remain prevalent, contributing to various chronic diseases.

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High consumption of refined carbs and sugar

In recent years, there has been a shift toward eating out and consuming packaged foods. This has led to a rise in the intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars, which are associated with conditions like obesity and diabetes.

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Unhealthy eating habits

Late-night eating, excessive junk food consumption, and a lack of focus on the nutritional value of food are common habits contributing to the rise in lifestyle-related diseases.

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Sleep deprivation

Numerous biological functions, such as information processing, toxin removal, and cell repair, occur during sleep. Sleep deprivation disrupts these crucial processes, leading to long-term damage and increased vulnerability to various diseases.

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Genetic predisposition

Genetic predisposition refers to the increased likelihood of developing certain diseases due to one's genetic makeup. While this is an uncontrollable factor, lifestyle changes can help mitigate the risk of these diseases.

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Lack of preventative health checkups

Many Indians still view health checkups as something only necessary when they are sick, leading to a reluctance to undergo routine health screenings. This mindset increases the risk of undiagnosed health conditions becoming serious.

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