In a groundbreaking revelation, MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, has unveiled a growing trend of high cholesterol levels among young Indians, challenging conventional notions about cardiovascular health assessment. The study, based on data from 10,990 individuals aged 20-40, exposes the limitations of relying solely on Body Mass Index (BMI) as a marker of health.
The findings underscore the need for a proactive and personalised approach to preventive care, especially in the context of evolving health challenges faced by the youth in India. The conventional reliance on BMI fails to consider the unique lifestyle factors contributing to the surge in high cholesterol levels among young Indians.
The study points to the rise of the “on-demand” generation, managing demanding schedules, high-pressure jobs, unhealthy dietary choices, and minimal physical activity. The shift towards convenient yet processed food options may be silently contributing to elevated cholesterol levels, even among individuals with a normal BMI.
Shockingly, the study reveals that 22% of individuals with high Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol [LDL-C] (>160mg/dL) fall within the normal BMI range (18.5 – 22.9). This challenges the longstanding belief that elevated cholesterol is primarily linked to obesity. Men are particularly affected, with 63.7% of those with high LDL-C falling within the normal BMI category.
Furthermore, 26.5% of individuals with borderline high LDL-C (130-159 mg/dL) also belong to the normal BMI category. These statistics emphasize the pivotal role of factors beyond BMI, including changing food habits, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, and genetics, in determining cholesterol levels.
Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations at MediBuddy, expressed concern over these revelations, urging a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a personalised, preventive healthcare strategy. Regular health checkups and tailored lifestyle modifications, such as stress management, healthy eating, and increased physical activity, are deemed vital for safeguarding cardiovascular health among young Indians.
As the youth grapples with evolving health challenges, the study underscores the importance of proactive healthcare measures. Raising awareness about the necessity of regular checkups and promoting a holistic approach to well-being becomes imperative for a healthier future. Adults over the age of 20 are advised to have their cholesterol measured at least every five years, allowing for early intervention if numbers rise.
In conclusion, society must move beyond traditional metrics and embrace a holistic approach to well-being. MediBuddy envisions a future where high-quality, personalised healthcare is accessible to all, empowering individuals to take control of their health and adopt preventative measures.
