Defined by a spectrum of conditions including cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attacks, diabetes, chronic pulmonary diseases like asthma, and even cancer, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become pervasive in today's society.Factors contributing to their prevalence range from genetic predispositions, particularly prevalent among South Asians due to propensity towards visceral fat, to unhealthy lifestyle choices and adverse socio-environmental circumstances such as pollution.Dr Hemant Thakkar, Consultant Internist & CardioMetabolic specialist at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre emphasized the critical role of lifestyle in what he described as nurturing the seed of the diseases which are planted by genetics.Unhealthy dietary habits, characterised by excessive consumption of salt, sugar, and butter, often lead to the development of an apple-shaped body and metabolic syndrome, further exacerbating the risk of NCDs.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together such high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity that increases one's risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetesAdopting a proactive approach to lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, mindful eating, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, is imperative in mitigating these risks, says Dr Thakkar.Moreover, Dr Thakkar shed light on the intricate relationship between obesity and NCDs, emphasising weight management as a cornerstone of prevention and treatment.
Addressing common misconceptions surrounding weight loss, Dr Thakkar cautioned against the allure of shortcuts such as weight loss drugs, advocating instead for discipline and holistic approaches.
Defined by a spectrum of conditions including cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attacks, diabetes, chronic pulmonary diseases like asthma, and even cancer, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become pervasive in today's society.Factors contributing to their prevalence range from genetic predispositions, particularly prevalent among South Asians due to propensity towards visceral fat, to unhealthy lifestyle choices and adverse socio-environmental circumstances such as pollution.Dr Hemant Thakkar, Consultant Internist & CardioMetabolic specialist at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre emphasized the critical role of lifestyle in what he described as nurturing the seed of the diseases which are planted by genetics.Unhealthy dietary habits, characterised by excessive consumption of salt, sugar, and butter, often lead to the development of an apple-shaped body and metabolic syndrome, further exacerbating the risk of NCDs. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together such high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity that increases one's risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetesAdopting a proactive approach to lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, mindful eating, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, is imperative in mitigating these risks, says Dr Thakkar.Moreover, Dr Thakkar shed light on the intricate relationship between obesity and NCDs, emphasising weight management as a cornerstone of prevention and treatment. Addressing common misconceptions surrounding weight loss, Dr Thakkar cautioned against the allure of shortcuts such as weight loss drugs, advocating instead for discipline and holistic approaches.
