India is experiencing a rapid rise in lifestyle-related diseases, driven by unhealthy diets, sedentary habits, and increasing stress levels. This shift has significantly impacted overall public health.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in India, accounting for a significant proportion of deaths, with nearly 50 percent of CVD-related deaths occurring before the age of 50. Indians are also more prone to developing heart conditions at a younger age compared to global averages, largely due to unhealthy dietary habits, high cholesterol levels, physical inactivity, and lifestyle-related risk factors.
India has one of the largest populations of people living with diabetes globally, with over 100 million cases reported. Rapid changes in dietary patterns, excess calorie intake, and sedentary lifestyles are key contributors to this growing epidemic, while studies indicate that the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes is significantly higher among Asian Indians, increasing the overall metabolic risk burden.
Overweight and obesity are rising steadily across India, particularly in urban populations, and are major risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. According to NFHS-5 data, approximately 24 percent of women and 23 percent of men aged 15 to 49 are overweight or obese, with an estimated 135 million people affected, reflecting the growing impact of lifestyle changes on public health.
Rising stress, high blood pressure and elevated lipid levels remain dominant risk factors across urban India — particularly among working professionals. Addressing these requires lifestyle modification alongside clinical care, with nutrition playing a central role in long-term prevention.
Addressing lifestyle diseases requires a multi-dimensional approach, including increased awareness, healthier dietary choices, regular physical activity, and preventive healthcare. Promoting the use of healthier edible oils, such as olive oil, can play a supportive role in improving heart health and overall well-being.
How olive oil helps