Understanding the Hidden Health Risks for Indian Men
The Misconception of Fitness
Many men in India mistakenly believe that simply being slim or fit shields them from lifestyle-related health issues. However, healthcare professionals are increasingly encountering a different scenario. Men who seem healthy are being diagnosed with serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often in their thirties and forties. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) reveals that 27.3% of Indian men are classified as overweight or obese, a rise from 22.9% in the previous survey. Additionally, the prevalence of high blood sugar has surged from 15.6% to 20.9%, indicating a growing crisis of metabolic disorders nationwide.
Why Appearance Isn't Everything
Why looking fit doesn't always mean you are healthy
Experts emphasize that physical appearance is not a definitive measure of health. Many Indian men accumulate visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs, even if they have a normal body mass index (BMI). Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is metabolically active and is closely associated with insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular issues. This hidden fat can lead to metabolic problems while a person appears to be of normal weight.
The Role of Genetics
Genetics plays a bigger role than you think
Lifestyle choices such as diet, lack of exercise, poor sleep, smoking, and alcohol consumption certainly influence disease risk. However, genetics also plays a crucial role. Dr. Ramesh Menon, an expert in Personal Genomics & Genomic Medicine, notes that genetic variations affecting cholesterol metabolism, blood pressure, insulin function, and fat storage can significantly heighten the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and fatty liver disease. Family history often reveals this inherited risk, such as a father suffering a heart attack in his fifties or a sibling diagnosed with diabetes at a young age. This genetic predisposition can lead to vastly different health outcomes for individuals with similar lifestyles.
The Benefits of Genetic Testing
Can genetic testing help?
For those with a significant family history of health issues, genetic testing can offer valuable insights into potential future risks. One promising method is the Polygenic Risk Score (PRS), which evaluates millions of genetic variants to estimate an individual's inherited risk for conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Studies indicate that individuals with higher polygenic risk scores are more susceptible to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases compared to those with lower genetic risks. This information can help identify high-risk individuals well before symptoms or abnormal test results emerge, allowing for earlier intervention.
Proactive Health Management
Prevention starts before symptoms
Dr. Menon advises that waiting for symptoms to appear is often too late. Regular health check-ups can uncover elevated blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, fatty liver disease, and high blood pressure before they lead to serious complications. To mitigate the risk of lifestyle diseases, individuals should:
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Follow a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Monitor weight and waist circumference.
- Ensure adequate sleep and manage stress levels.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
It is crucial to schedule routine health screenings, especially for those with a family history of diabetes or heart disease.