Metabolic Syndrome In Men: Why Is This A Growing Health Crisis In India?
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Metabolic disorders are becoming increasingly common among Indian men across both urban and rural settings. This calls for a need to understand and manage this health concern.
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 related 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.
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.
Dr Menon shares some lifestyle changes that can help you take care of your health.
Cultivate an active lifestyle: Consistent exercise, regardless of intensity, can have a profound impact on insulin sensitivity, weight management, and blood pressure. The current standard is to achieve 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, supplemented with daily movement.
Manage stress effectively: Incorporate practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and spending time with nature in your daily routine to reduce and manage stress.
Ensure adequate sleep: Sleep is important for hormones and metabolic regulation. Try to get between seven and nine hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
Regular Health Check-ups: The key is early detection. Frequent checks for weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar allow any problems to be identified and managed in time.
Know Your Family History and Genetic Risk: Talk to your doctor about your family's health risks and consider undertaking genetic testing and discussing options with your doctor as part of your personalised prevention efforts.
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.
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