Doctors flag sedentary routines & junk food as disease drivers

Health experts have raised serious concern over the growing incidence of lifestyle related diseases, attributing the trend largely to sedentary habits and the increasing consumption of junk food, especially among urban residents and youth.

Doctors across government and private hospitals have reported a steady rise in cases of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart ailments over the past few years. According to physicians, lack of physical activity combined with easy access to fast food has become a major public health challenge. “People are spending long hours sitting — at offices, in front of screens or while commuting. Physical activity has drastically reduced, while intake of high calorie, low nutrition food has gone up,” said Civil Surgeon Satinderjit Singh.

He added that even teenagers are now being diagnosed with conditions that were earlier common only among older adults.

Health officials say the problem worsened after the pandemic, as work-from-home culture and online education encouraged prolonged sitting. At the same time, food delivery apps and aggressive marketing of processed food have made junk food a daily habit rather than an occasional indulgence.

Nutritionists point out that junk food, rich in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, leads to weight gain and disturbs the body’s metabolism. “Regular consumption of burgers, pizzas, sugary drinks and packaged snacks increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. When combined with inactivity, the damage is much faster,” said Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at Civil Hospital, Dr Rajnish.

The impact is also visible in government health data, which shows a rise in non-communicable diseases in both urban and semi-urban areas. Officials say this puts additional pressure on the healthcare system, as such illnesses require long-term treatment and monitoring. The Civil Surgeon said that regular awareness events are being held to make people aware about non- communicable diseases as the lifestyle is fast changing.

Awareness camps are being organised to promote a balanced diet, daily exercise and regular health check-ups. Schools are also being encouraged to include physical activity and nutrition education in their routine, he said. “Brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, reducing screen time and choosing home-cooked food over processed items can significantly lower health risks,” added Dr Rajnish.