Panaji, 07 April 2025: The alarming rise of lifestyle diseases among younger populations has spurred health experts to urge a fundamental shift in how children are raised and the habits instilled from a young age. Doctors emphasize the need for better dietary choices and more physical activity to reduce the long-term risks of high blood pressure (BP), diabetes, and other serious health conditions.
Dr. Eddie D’Mello, a retired senior physician from South Goa District Hospital, highlighted the dangers of artery narrowing due to cholesterol buildup, which begins in childhood. He stressed that instilling good habits early, including healthy eating and regular exercise, is crucial to prevent future health problems. “We don’t want to see a future generation that is sicker,” he noted, reflecting on the growing burden of lifestyle diseases.
Experts are particularly concerned by the increasing incidence of high BP in people in their 20s and diabetes in their 30s, a trend largely driven by poor diets, lack of exercise, stress, and excessive screen time. “In the past, these conditions were unheard of in young people, but today 40-50% of patients at OPDs are diabetic and hypertensive,” Dr. D’Mello observed.
Adding to the concerns is the rise of early-onset cancers. Dr. Anupama Borkar, Head of Medical Oncology at GMC, explained that adopting a balanced diet and regular physical activity from an early age can help maintain a healthy body by the time individuals reach their 40s. “Damage from poor diet, lack of exercise, and substance abuse often cannot be reversed by the time people are in their 40s or 50s,” she said. She also emphasized the importance of eliminating tobacco and alcohol use, habits many young people adopt early in life.
In terms of diet, Dr. Borkar recommends traditional regional and seasonal foods—such as idli and sambar from South India, fish curry and rice from Goa, or chapati, daal, and vegetables—over processed options. These meals are balanced and provide necessary nutrients, she noted, advising people to eat what their grandparents used to eat.
Exercise, including yoga, was also highlighted as vital for both mental and physical health.
A concerning example of poor diet and lack of physical activity is seen in a Class VIII student weighing 85 kg, who lived mostly on frozen foods like chicken nuggets. Dr. Ira Almeida, a senior pediatrician, described the unhealthy daily routine of the girl, who would consume snacks throughout the day without engaging in physical activity. “Where has she moved in the entire day?” Almeida questioned, emphasizing the importance of exercise in children’s routines.
Similarly, a Class IV student with acanthosis nigricans—an early sign of prediabetes—and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exemplifies how sedentary behavior and poor diet can lead to long-term health risks. Almeida warned that if the girl does not change her habits, she could develop diabetes and hypertension by her mid-20s.
Breastfeeding, experts say, plays a vital role in delaying the onset of lifestyle diseases. Dr. Almeida advocated for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, which can extend up to two years or beyond, to delay the onset of diseases like hypertension and diabetes in both mothers and babies.
When transitioning children to solid foods, doctors recommend home-cooked meals rich in protein, such as eggs, daal, and sprouted moong, along with plenty of vegetables and fruits. “Junk food gives empty calories with no nutrition,” Dr. D’Mello warned, stressing the importance of building good nutrition from the start.
Early detection of high BP, diabetes, and cancer is crucial, experts say. If managed well, even those with diabetes can lead a good quality of life. However, if left unchecked, the disease can lead to serious complications, including eye, kidney, and nerve damage.
Dr. Borkar also noted an increase in breast cancer diagnoses among women in their 30s, with some cases occurring in their late 20s. Contributing factors include diet, obesity, and late pregnancy. “Painless lumps should cause worry,” she advised, stressing the need for early detection.
Doctors continue to advocate for lifestyle changes that begin in childhood, emphasizing that it’s never too early to adopt healthier habits to ensure long-term well-being.
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