Unhealthy lifestyle increasing risk of non-communicable diseases

KATHMANDU: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming increasingly complex worldwide.

Experts attribute the rising risk of NCDs to factors such as globalization, urbanization, population growth, lifestyle changes, and environmental pollution.

As a result, diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma are on the rise.

According to Dr. Rajendra Koju, a cardiologist, many patients visiting outpatient departments present with high blood pressure, diabetes, chest pain, and heart problems—all of which are non-communicable diseases.

Despite awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise, many people continue to neglect these aspects of their lifestyle. Dr. Koju observes that lack of discipline in eating habits has led to increasing obesity among children.

“People consume too many fatty and sugary foods without engaging in physical exercise, leading to fat accumulation. Additionally, pollution is also contributing to the rise in illnesses,” he says.

Global Impact of Non-Communicable Diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that non-communicable diseases cause approximately 41 million deaths annually, accounting for 74% of all global deaths. Each year, 17 million people die from non-communicable diseases before reaching the age of 70, with 77% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Cardiovascular diseases lead to 17.9 million deaths annually, cancer causes 9.3 million deaths, and chronic respiratory diseases result in 4.1 million deaths each year. The primary drivers of non-communicable diseases include unhealthy lifestyles, substance abuse, lack of physical exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor diet, and air pollution. These diseases generally have long-term effects and progress slowly.

A study conducted in 2019 by the Ministry of Health and Population, with support from WHO and the Nepal Health Research Council, revealed that more than 71% of citizens had died from non-communicable diseases.

Emphasis on Prevention

Non-communicable diseases, which are not transmitted from person to person or through microorganisms, can affect individuals of any age. Prevention is crucial, as it is more effective than treatment.

Dr. Jyoti Bhattarai, a diabetes specialist, emphasizes that, apart from genetic factors, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, and fatty liver conditions are prevalent. “The lack of balanced nutrition and the consumption of sugary beverages are increasing diabetes rates. Over time, this can lead to kidney failure, amputations, and heart attacks,” she explains.

Dr. Bhattarai suggests that schools should educate students and parents about non-communicable diseases. Regular exercise, consuming balanced meals, avoiding processed foods, and focusing on home-cooked meals are effective ways to prevent diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

Early detection and management of non-communicable diseases can prevent complications and premature death. Adopting a healthy lifestyle during childhood and adolescence can reduce the risk of these diseases in adulthood.

Dr. Pomawati Thapa, head of the Non-Communicable and Mental Health Division at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, notes that smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and processed foods are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

The government has introduced the PEN (Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease) program across all districts to address non-communicable diseases. This program focuses on community-level identification, screening, and treatment of these diseases. Additionally, the government has launched cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination programs. The PEN Plus program, aimed at preventing complex, chronic diseases in children and adolescents, has been implemented in six districts. Dr. Thapa emphasizes the need for multi-sectoral coordination to control and prevent non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Koju advocates for parents to lead by example in adopting healthy lifestyles and teaching their children to do the same. “Excessive screen time leads to increased stress levels. A healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits, along with limited consumption of sugary beverages and avoidance of smoking, can help prevent many diseases,” he says.

In response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, Nepal has developed a multi-sectoral plan for the prevention and control of these diseases for the period 2021-2025. Nepal aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 25% by 2025. Additionally, the Sustainable Development Goals include a target to reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases by one-third.