By Novo Nordisk. The

Copyright indiatimes

ET Spotlight

India is facing a health crisis that’s growing quietly but rapidly: diabetes, obesity and heart disease. These conditions are deeply connected, and together, they are responsible for multiple complications in the body.1 While heart disease has long been the leading cause of death in India, obesity is now emerging as a major contributor—and it’s affecting people of all ages, from children to older adults. ET SpotlightDr Arun Kochar , Additonal Director Cardiology | Fortis MohaliWhy is this a big deal?Alarmingly, nearly one in two heart disease deaths among South Asians2 occurs in individuals with diabetes, compared to just one in eight among white populations. This heightened vulnerability is compounded by the fact that cardiovascular disease (CVD) tends to occur earlier and more aggressively in Indians, often striking a decade or more before it does in Western populations. These trends underscore the urgent need for integrated public health strategies that address the shared roots and risks of these interlinked diseases. How diabetes and obesity leads to heart diseaseDiabetes and obesity are two of the most potent drivers of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and their combined impact is both physiological and systemic. Obesity—especially visceral fat—triggers chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances that impair vascular function. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels damage blood vessels over time, accelerating the development of atherosclerosis, which narrows arteries and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Together, these conditions contribute to endothelial dysfunction, increased blood pressure, and abnormal lipid profiles, creating a perfect storm for heart disease. Studies show that people with both obesity and diabetes are significantly more likely to experience cardiac events, and the risk rises further when these conditions are left untreated or poorly managed.3Why Indians are more vulnerableLive EventsIndians face a unique set of challenges when it comes to diabetes, obesity and heart disease:Genetic predisposition: Indians tend to store more fat around their organs (visceral fat), which is more harmful than fat under the skin.3Higher risk at lower BMI: Indians develop heart disease at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations.4Early onset: Heart disease affects Indians a decade earlier than people in Western countries.3Lifestyle changes: Urbanisation, sedentary jobs, and processed food consumption are fuelling the crisis.ET SpotlightWhat you can do to protect your heartThe good news? You can take action, starting today.Eat smartChoose whole foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.Cut down on sugar, salt, and processed snacks.Cook with less oil and avoid deep-fried foods.Move moreAim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily.Walking, yoga, dancing, or cycling are great options.Manage stressPractice mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises.Take breaks from screens and social media.Get regular checkupsMonitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.Get heart screenings if you’re over 30 or have a family history.Start earlyEncourage healthy habits in children.Limit junk food and promote outdoor play.A holistic approach is neededExperts recommend a life course approach, which means addressing health risks from childhood through adulthood. This includes:Better maternal nutritionSchool-based health educationCommunity-level interventionsAffordable healthcare accessET SpotlightIndia’s healthcare system must integrate obesity prevention into primary care, and public health campaigns should focus on reducing stigma and promoting person-centred care.1Obesity and heart disease are not just medical issues; they’re social, economic, and cultural challenges. However, with awareness, early action, and healthy choices, we can turn the tide.Whether you’re a parent, student, professional, or senior citizen, your daily habits matter. The way forward to build a heart-healthy India is to take one step at a time. Start with small lifestyle changes to see results in the long run.References:Piché ME, Tchernof A, Despré JP. Obesity phenotypes, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Circulation Research. 2020;126:1477–1500. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.120.316101Forouhi NG, Sattar N, Tillin T, McKeigue PM, Chaturvedi N. Do known risk factors explain the higher coronary heart disease mortality in South Asian compared with European men? Prospective follow-up of the Southall and Brent studies, UK. Diabetologia. Nov 2006;49(11):2580-2588.Circulation Research Compendium on Obesity, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Diseases, Philipp E. Scherer and Joseph A. Hill, Editors, circresaha.116.308999Chen Y, Copeland WK et al. Association between body mass index and cardiovascular disease mortality in east Asians and south Asians: pooled analysis of prospective data from the Asia Cohort Consortium. BMJ. 2013 Oct 1;347:f5446. doi: 10.1136/bmj.f5446. PMID: 24473060; PMCID: PMC3788174Disclaimer: This content is part of a disease awareness initiative by Novo Nordisk. The opinions and views are that of the Healthcare Professionals. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article nor vouch for or endorse any of its content. While the content on this site provides general information about health and wellbeing. It is not intended as medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you need help getting your health under control, we recommend speaking to your doctor.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

(This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@timesinternet.in)

Read More News onheart diseaseindia’s public health challengediabetesobesitypublic health

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless

(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onheart diseaseindia’s public health challengediabetesobesitypublic health(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless