For the longest time, lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease have been associated with older adults. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in these diseases showing up in much younger people because of eating habits, stress and environmental factors. Read on to learn more about the increase in lifestyle diseases in young people and how to prevent them.

What are Lifestyle Diseases?

Lifestyle diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are conditions strongly influenced by everyday habits such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and substance use. Unlike infectious diseases, which are caused by bacteria or viruses, lifestyle diseases develop gradually over time and are often linked to long-term exposure to unhealthy habits. Most importantly, these conditions don’t cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages, which is why young people usually ignore the warning signs, even though they can lead to damaging of the heart, blood vessels, and liver.
The most common conditions among young people include:

• Obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Abnormal cholesterol levels.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Why are Lifestyle Diseases Rising in Young People?

Nowadays, eating habits have been the primary leading cause of lifestyle diseases in young people, with more people consuming highly processed and calorie-dense foods because they’re affordable and readily available. Moreover, sugary beverages and energy drinks are marketed to target younger demographics as performance boosting alternatives. When you include the lack of optimal physical activity, it leads to the increase of insulin resistance, high blood pressure and hormonal imbalances that can result in underlying conditions with long-term health complications.
Other contributing risk factors include:

• Sleep deprivation mainly from increased screen time.
• Chronic stress which increases the production of cortisol related to blood pressure regulation.
• Alcohol consumption and smoking strain vital organs such as the lungs, heart and liver.

Early Warning Signs to Watch For

In most cases, lifestyle diseases can progress quietly for a long time before you notice that it has become life-threatening. As a young person, it’s important to know the early warning signs and when to seek help. With an Affinity Health plan, you have access to unlimited doctor consultations if you notice these symptoms:

• Persistent fatigue even after resting for extended periods.
• Daytime sleepiness or loud snoring may indicate poor-quality sleep or sleep apnoea.
• Dark, velvety patches on the skin, particularly around the neck or armpits, can be a sign of insulin resistance, indicating diabetes.
• Frequent headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds may point to undiagnosed high blood pressure.
• Unexplained weight gain, especially around the waistline, can be linked to higher risks of heart disease and diabetes.
• Breathlessness during light activity, palpitations, or chest tightness.
• Digestive issues such as bloating, persistent abdominal discomfort, or abnormal liver function test results can signal that fatty liver disease is developing.

Prevention Strategies That Can Lead to Healthier Outcomes

Preventing lifestyle diseases at an early stage is about being proactive. This means not waiting until you are not feeling well to consult with a doctor and doing the necessary tests which can reveal early signs of hypertension or diabetes. Additionally, if you have a family history of specific chronic conditions, routine checks can be lifesaving when risks are detected before they become life-threatening.
Additionally, these are some everyday healthy habits to consider to prevent lifestyle diseases:

• Improving your diet with nutritious meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.
• Staying hydrated with water and cutting out sugary beverages and energy drinks.
• Regular exercise can help improve weight management and blood circulation.
• Better sleep hygiene.
• Stress management.
• Reducing or quitting alcohol and smoking.

Lifestyle diseases pose a risk to your overall health and may require immediate intervention. Prevention is about making better choices and creating habits to ensure you reduce the potential long-term effects of conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The good news is that Affinity Health offers plans for the management and treatment of illnesses, and you can take advantage of optional benefits that cover up to 24 chronic conditions when you sign up today.