There’s been a significant change in how younger adults in India are taking charge of their health. Recent data shows a stunning 84% increase in awareness of lifestyle diseases from the previous year.
According to Practo’s annual health insights report, which surveyed over 30 million users, people are now visiting doctors more than ever. In 2024, the average number of consultations for lifestyle diseases was 4.1 per patient, a jump from 3.4 in 2023. This shift highlights a growing trend: individuals are actively using digital platforms to manage their health better.
Nearly half of all online searches regarding lifestyle diseases were made by people aged 25 to 34, with Tier 2 cities showing a notable increase of 20% over the past year. This suggests that people in smaller cities are becoming more health-conscious.
Key Findings
- Increased Searches: There’s an 84% year-on-year growth in searches about lifestyle diseases.
- Hypertension at the Forefront: The condition saw a remarkable 21% rise in searches.
- Demographics: About 64% of the searches came from Tier 1 cities, while Tier 2 cities displayed the highest growth rates. Interestingly, men accounted for 87% of the searches, with the majority coming from those aged 25 to 34.
- Consultation Trends: The frequency of consultations for hypertension rose to 5.1 per year, up from 4.9.
Insights on Specific Conditions
Diabetes:
- The average consultation frequency increased to 3.9 per year.
- There was a 13.66% rise in searches about diabetes, especially among young males aged 18 to 24, who showed a whopping 92.59% increase.
Hypertension:
- The consultation rate went up to 5.1 annually.
- Older adults, especially men aged 65 and over, showed a dramatic 160% increase in searches.
Weight Management:
- Consultation frequency remained steady at 2.2 per year.
- Searches for weight management grew by 6%, with young adults aged 18 to 24 leading the way.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Vishal Jani, who leads medical research at Practo, noted, "People are increasingly engaging with their health. The rise of digital tools allows for better management and access to medical advice, empowering patients to take charge of their health."
Social Media Trends
The conversation around health awareness has also gained traction on social media, with hashtags like #HealthConscious and #WellnessJourney becoming popular among young adults. These trends reflect a collective movement towards prioritizing health and well-being.
This evolving landscape in health awareness signals a significant cultural shift. People are more informed, proactive, and engaged in their health than ever before, indicating a promising future for public health initiatives in India.
Check out this related article: Unlocking Insights: A Comprehensive Review of Systematic Interventions for Chronic Diseases and Lifestyle Risks in Low-Middle Income Countries
Source linkhealthcare,hypertension,Indian healthcare,Lifestyle diseases,weight management
