Early Onset of NCDs
- NCDs are increasingly affecting individuals from childhood and adolescence, not just in adulthood.
- Screening of 2.85 lakh students (ages 3–17 and college) across 6 States revealed:
- Obesity rises with age: 8% (primary school) → 28% (college students).
- Pre-hypertension: 9% (high school) and 19% (college).
- High blood glucose: Found in 2% of college students.
- Indicates lifetime progression of NCDs if unmanaged.
Relevance : GS 2(Health ,Governance )
Increased Risks in Women Post-Menopause
- Significant metabolic deterioration seen post-menopause:
- Diabetes: 14% (pre-menopause) → 40% (post-menopause).
- Obesity: 76% → 86%.
- Fatty liver: 54% → 70%.
- Hypertension: 15% → 40%.
- Highlights clustering of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders after menopause.
- Emphasises need for targeted health management for menopausal women.
Fatty Liver Burden Rising
- Among 2.5 lakh individuals screened:
- 65% had fatty liver, of which 85% were non-alcoholic.
- Caused primarily by obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Now classified as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
Key Takeaways
- NCDs are no longer adult-onset alone — urgent interventions needed from early age.
- Menopause is a major turning point in women’s health, requiring focused attention.
- Rising prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver indicates broader lifestyle and dietary risks in the population.
