Young Adults Face Surging Health Crisis: Experts Warn of Lifestyle Diseases
Recent reports indicate a concerning trend among young adults in India, where chronic health issues typically associated with older populations are emerging in teenagers and individuals in their early twenties. Cases like that of 22-year-old Priya, who was diagnosed with high blood pressure and severe vitamin D deficiency despite appearing healthy, exemplify this alarming shift.
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, a senior internal medicine consultant, notes that conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension were once rare in those under 30. However, a significant rise in health screenings among students and young professionals highlights the prevalence of silent diseases, including early signs of coronary artery disease and metabolic dysfunction. Up to 66.6% of young patients identified with hypertension have a secondary cause linked to their lifestyle.
The root causes of this health crisis are deeply intertwined with modern living. Dr. Vishakha Shivdasani warns that a shift towards processed, low-nutrient diets, coupled with chronic stress and irregular sleep, is adversely affecting young people’s health. More than two-thirds of individuals under 25 are experiencing declines in physical fitness markers, previously noted in older adults.
Compounding the issue is a lack of sleep, with many young people prioritizing social media and late-night activities over sufficient rest. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health implications, including higher risks for cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, misinformation about health proliferates on platforms like social media, often pushing extreme diets and unverified health trends, which further endangers youth well-being.
Experts urge that proactive measures—such as early health screenings, better nutrition, and mental health care—are essential. As Dr. Chatterjee emphasizes, "Your 20s set the stage for the next five decades. Don’t wait for a crisis to take charge of your health."
Published By: Daphne Clarance
Published On: Jun 9, 2025
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