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Reflective of a multifaceted and rapidly evolving urban, digitalized world, the past few decades have seen an epidemiological transition in disease patterns with a shift towards non-communicable diseases. The youth are far more influenced and vulnerable to the consequences of a skewed lifestyle, societal pressures, and myriad fallouts of technological immersion. Hence, there has been an alarming trend of growing numbers of young adults grappling with lifestyle-related health issues hitherto associated with middle age.
Lifestyle-related morbidity in youth is broadly categorised as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions. Traditionally associated with older populations, NCDs are now manifesting in adolescents and young adults. The cornucopia of diseases that are catching the youth unaware are type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, obesity, non-alcoholic liver disease, and in women, Polycystic ovarian disease. Young adults are increasingly susceptible to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, which are precursors of cardiovascular disease and early-onset diabetes. Diabetes, in turn, is associated with faster progression of complications such as retinopathy and chronic kidney disease. The symptoms of these diseases are not initially obvious but present later with severely debilitating, long-term and life-threatening consequences.
Chronic stress, a ubiquitous feature of modern life, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Other contributory risk factors, influenced by an individual’s choices, are unhealthy diets high in processed foods and added sugars, lack of physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse, smoking, inadequate and anomalous sleep patterns, and poor mental health also play a serious causal role.
After NCDs, mental health issues represent a major portion of morbidity in young adults and are also a crucial predisposing factor for physical ailments. The chief mental issues are, namely, stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal behaviour, eating and sleep disorders, substance abuse, and problems arising from emerging adulthood. The primary causative factor for mental morbidity is mental stress. Social media lies at the core of perpetuating stress. It creates unrealistic expectations, leading to the constant need for validation, feelings of low self-esteem, a sense of social isolation, and fear of missing out. This promotes the need for constant connectivity, leading to compulsive use of technology resulting in a form of addiction. Cyberbullying also plays a predominant role in its negative ramifications on the mental health of children. Performance pressure at work, relationship issues, financial instability, and dealing with the complexities of modern living are other factors that contribute to elevated stress and feelings of inadequacy that adversely impact mental wellbeing.
While non-communicable diseases and mental health issues are the most common lifestyle disorders, a new crop of outlier disorders is now originating consequent to excessive technological immersion. Of these, the most common are digital eye strain, hearing, and postural disorders. Computer Vision Syndrome results in dry eyes and accommodative fatigue, giving rise to headache and vision problems. This is caused by the reduced blink rate during excessive use of screens. Poor ergonomics while working or studying leads to neck, back, and shoulder pain. Sciatica is another major problem, which is pain or discomfort associated with the spine, running from the lower back down the back of the legs to the feet, especially seen in those with sedentary jobs. Hearing disorders due to indiscriminate use of AirPods and similar devices are a cause of concern in the growing list of disabilities. In addition, a recent study found that 7.7% of people aged 20–30 and 20% of people aged 30–40 had haemorrhoids, previously associated as an “old-age” disease. The precipitating factors are constipation due to aberrant eating habits and a lack of physical activity, compounded by the long duration of sitting on the toilet immersed in the use of tech devices.
These lifestyle disorders are primarily driven by factors that are rooted in our everyday choices and thus preventable. The way forward is making informed lifestyle choices, adopting a balanced and nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding substance abuse. To mitigate the deleterious effects of stress, it is essential to incorporate stress-reduction techniques into daily life, such as mindfulness practices and meditation, prioritising adequate sleep, and importantly, implementing digital hygiene. Addressing this problem requires collective responsibility from healthcare providers, by offering proactive care such as awareness campaigns, youth-targeted screening programs, and school-based wellness programs. Places of work and educational institutions must create supportive environments, including counselling and stress management in their programs. Policymakers should implement effective public health strategies especially pertaining to fast food licensing. It is imperative that we address this silent epidemic, in order to foster a culture of health and well-being in our youth, eliminate the pernicious consequences of these diseases, and ensure a healthier and more productive future generation.
Dr.Rohini Gautam Baijal is a Consultant Anaesthesiologist, an avid reader with a passion for writing.