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Article
06 Mar 2026
Why in the News?
- A recent analysis of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 1990-2023 has revealed that India and China have the highest metabolic disease burdens in the Asia-Pacific region.
What’s in Today’s Article?
- Metabolic Diseases (Background, Findings of the Study, Disease Burden in India, Risk Factors, Implications, Prevention & Policy Measures)
Understanding Metabolic Diseases
- Metabolic diseases refer to a group of disorders that disrupt the body’s normal metabolic processes, particularly the way energy from food is broken down, stored, and utilised.
- Common metabolic diseases include Type 2 diabetes mellitus, High blood pressure (hypertension), Obesity or high body mass index (BMI), High LDL cholesterol and Metabolically-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
- These conditions are closely linked to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, sedentary behaviour, and increasing urbanisation.
- They are also major contributors to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for a significant proportion of deaths globally.
Findings of the Global Burden of Disease Study
- The study analysed data for the period 1990-2023, with projections up to 2030 for the Asia-Pacific region.
- Researchers assessed the burden of metabolic diseases using two key indicators:
- Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) - a measure of overall disease burden combining years lost due to premature death and years lived with disability.
- Mortality rates - the number of deaths caused by specific diseases.
- The study identified five major metabolic risk factors contributing to disease burden:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- High systolic blood pressure
- High BMI
- High LDL cholesterol
- Metabolically-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
- The findings indicate that metabolic disorders have become one of the most serious health challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
India’s Metabolic Disease Burden
- According to the study, India has one of the highest absolute metabolic disease burdens in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2023, India recorded:
- ~21 million DALYs linked to type 2 diabetes
- Around 5.8 lakh deaths due to diabetes
- High systolic blood pressure was another major contributor to disease burden, accounting for nearly 3.8 crore DALYs and around 15.7 lakh deaths in the country.
- These numbers indicate that hypertension and diabetes remain among the leading health challenges facing India.
- In terms of DALYs, India overtook China in 2023 to become the country with the highest metabolic disease burden in the Asia-Pacific region.
- However, under other parameters such as high BMI, LDL cholesterol, and MASLD, India still ranks second after China.
Rising Risk Factors in India
- The study highlights several metabolic risk factors that are increasing steadily in India.
- One of the most significant trends is the rising prevalence of obesity and high BMI, which is growing at an annual rate of about 2.7-2.9%.
- High LDL cholesterol levels and fatty liver disease (MASLD) are also becoming increasingly common.
- These trends are largely driven by:
- Rapid urbanisation
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods
- High intake of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats
- Together, these factors are contributing to the growing burden of metabolic diseases in India.
Implications for Public Health
- Metabolic diseases have far-reaching consequences for public health and economic productivity.
- If current trends continue, these diseases could place enormous pressure on healthcare systems due to Increased hospitalisation, Long-term treatment costs and Reduced workforce productivity
- The study also warns that most metabolic risk factors are expected to continue rising until 2030, unless strong preventive measures are adopted.
- Thus, tackling metabolic diseases has become a major priority for health policymakers.
Prevention and Policy Measures
- Experts emphasise that an integrated public health approach is needed to address the rising metabolic disease burden in India.
- Key recommended strategies include:
- Promoting healthier diets: Governments should regulate ultra-processed foods and reduce excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in commonly consumed foods.
- Nutrition labelling: Clear front-of-pack nutrition labels can help consumers make informed dietary choices.
- Urban design and physical activity: Cities should be redesigned to encourage active lifestyles through safe walking spaces, cycling tracks, and public exercise facilities.
- Screening and early detection: Large-scale screening for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and fatty liver disease should be integrated into primary healthcare systems.
- India has already initiated programmes through the Union Health Ministry and State governments, but experts emphasise the need for stronger and more uniform implementation across the country.
Online Test
06 Mar 2026
CAMP-HINDI-ET-02
Questions : 50 Questions
Time Limit : 60 Mins
Expiry Date : May 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Online Test
06 Mar 2026
CAMP-HINDI-ET-02
Questions : 50 Questions
Time Limit : 0 Mins
Expiry Date : May 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Online Test
06 Mar 2026
CA Test - 1 (CA1101)
Questions : 100 Questions
Time Limit : 0 Mins
Expiry Date : May 31, 2026, midnight
Online Test
06 Mar 2026
CA Test-5 (CA1105)
Questions : 100 Questions
Time Limit : 0 Mins
Expiry Date : May 31, 2026, midnight
Online Test
06 Mar 2026
CA Test - 1 (CA1101)
Questions : 100 Questions
Time Limit : 0 Mins
Expiry Date : May 31, 2026, midnight
Online Test
06 Mar 2026
CA Test-5 (CA1105)
Questions : 100 Questions
Time Limit : 0 Mins
Expiry Date : May 31, 2026, midnight
Online Test
06 Mar 2026
CAMP-MH-02
Questions : 50 Questions
Time Limit : 0 Mins
Expiry Date : May 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Online Test
06 Mar 2026
CAMP-MH-02
Questions : 50 Questions
Time Limit : 0 Mins
Expiry Date : May 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m.