Younger age groups getting 'lifestyle diseases'

ONE of the biggest changes happening in healthcare today is the growing number of young people developing what were once considered diseases of old age.

Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and fatty liver disease are now being diagnosed more frequently in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

Many people are shocked when they are told they have hypertension or diabetes at a young age, especially if they still feel healthy.

Unfortunately, these diseases often develop quietly over many years before symptoms appear.

One major reason for this rise is the way lifestyles have changed over time. Zimbabwean life today is very different from what it was decades ago.

In the past, many people walked long distances, worked physically demanding jobs and ate more natural foods prepared at home.

Meals often included traditional grains, vegetables, beans and smaller amounts of processed foods.

Today, many lifestyles have become more westernised.

Fast foods, sugary drinks, processed snacks and highly refined foods have become more common, especially in urban areas.

Many people now eat large portions of chips, fried chicken, burgers, pizzas, sausages and takeaways on a regular basis. These foods are often high in salt, sugar, unhealthy fats and calories.

At the same time, physical activity has reduced significantly.

More people spend long hours sitting in offices, driving, studying or using phones and computers. Even children are becoming less active as screen time increases.

The body was designed to move, and when movement decreases while unhealthy food intake increases, weight gain and disease become more likely.

Stress is another important factor.

Many young people today face financial pressure, unemployment, long working hours, relationship stress and constant mental strain.

Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits and even worsening blood sugar control.

Alcohol consumption and smoking also continue to play a role.

Excessive alcohol intake can damage the liver, increase blood pressure and contribute to obesity.

Smoking remains a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and many cancers.

Another growing problem is poor sleep.

Many people sleep late, wake up early, and spend long hours on phones at night.

Lack of proper sleep affects hormones, appetite, blood pressure and metabolism.

Over time, this can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.

Unfortunately, westernisation has also changed how people view food.

In many cases, highly processed foods are seen as modern or desirable, while healthier traditional foods are sometimes ignored.

Yet some of the healthiest diets are actually based on simpler traditional eating habits.

Family history also matters.

A person with relatives who have hypertension, diabetes or heart disease may have a higher risk of developing these conditions themselves.

However, lifestyle often determines whether that risk becomes reality.

The worrying thing about lifestyle diseases is that many people only seek help when complications have already started.

Some first discover they have hypertension after a stroke.

Others find out they are diabetic after developing vision problems, kidney disease or severe infections.

The good news is that many lifestyle diseases are preventable or can be controlled early.

Simple measures such as regular exercise, healthier eating, reducing sugar and salt intake, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight and going for routine medical check-ups can make a huge difference.

Young people should not assume they are too young to get these conditions.

Lifestyle diseases are becoming more common at younger ages, and prevention needs to start early.

Looking after one's health today may prevent serious illness many years later.