Reverse Lifestyle Diseases
Introduction
Lifestyle disorders, often known as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), have emerged as a global health problem. These disorders, which include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer, are largely caused by poor lifestyle choices. There has been an increasing understanding of the influence of lifestyle illnesses on both men and women in recent years. It is important to note, however, that the symptoms, risk factors, and therapy of these illnesses might differ dramatically between genders. In this blog, we will look at how lifestyle illnesses impact men and women differently, with insights from Dr Anu Goswami, a renowned gynaecologist and proponent of lifestyle medicine.
Understanding Lifestyle Diseases
Lifestyle diseases are characterized by their slow progression, often stemming from habits such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. These factors collectively contribute to the development of chronic health conditions, and their prevalence is on the rise worldwide.
Gender Disparities in Lifestyle Diseases
Dr Anu Goswami notes that while both genders are susceptible to lifestyle diseases, there are notable differences in how these conditions impact men and women. It is essential to address these differences to develop more tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
- Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): CVDs are a leading cause of death globally. Men typically have a higher risk of developing CVD at a younger age than women. This difference is partly attributed to hormonal factors. Estrogen, which is present at higher levels in premenopausal women, has protective effects on the cardiovascular system. However, after menopause, women’s risk of CVDs increases significantly, and the gap narrows.
- Obesity: Obesity is a significant risk factor for various lifestyle diseases, including diabetes and CVDs. Dr. Goswami emphasizes that the distribution of body fat varies between genders. Men tend to accumulate fat around their abdomen, leading to an apple-shaped body, while women tend to accumulate fat in the hips and thighs, resulting in a pear-shaped body. This difference in fat distribution affects the health risks associated with obesity.
- Diabetes: Both men and women can develop diabetes, but the risk factors and complications differ. Men are often at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, whereas women are more prone to gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Additionally, diabetes can have a more severe impact on women’s heart health.
- Cancer: Certain lifestyle-related cancers, such as lung and liver cancer, have a higher incidence in men due to higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption. On the other hand, breast cancer is predominantly a female concern, with lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption playing a role in its development.
- Mental Health: Lifestyle diseases can also affect mental health. Depression and anxiety, for example, are more prevalent in women and can be exacerbated by the stress associated with managing lifestyle-related conditions.
Prevention and Management
Dr Anu Goswami emphasizes that the prevention and management of lifestyle diseases should be tailored to address gender-specific risks and needs.
- Diet and Nutrition: Both genders benefit from a balanced diet, but women may need to pay special attention to nutrient intake during pregnancy and menopause. Adequate calcium and iron intake are crucial for women’s health.
- Physical Activity: Exercise is essential for both men and women, but the type and intensity of physical activity may vary. Weight-bearing exercises can help women maintain bone health, while men may focus more on cardiovascular fitness.
- Stress Management: Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, are essential for mental well-being in both genders. However, women often juggle multiple roles, making stress management particularly crucial for them.
- Regular Check-ups: Dr. Goswami underscores the importance of regular health check-ups for both genders. These check-ups should include gender-specific screenings, such as mammograms for women and prostate screenings for men.
Why choose Dr. Anu Goswami?
Lifestyle diseases affect both men and women, but their impact varies due to gender-specific factors. Dr. Anu Goswami’s insights highlight the importance of recognizing these differences in prevention and management strategies. Tailoring healthcare approaches to address the unique needs of each gender is crucial in the fight against lifestyle diseases. As our understanding of these disparities continues to evolve, a more effective and equitable approach to reversing lifestyle diseases can be achieved, leading to healthier and happier lives for all.