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🇳🇵 Nepal /Health & Science

One in five Nepalis aged over 30 found hypertensive and obese

From Kathmandu Post · (4d ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A nationwide study in Nepal found that one in five people over 30 suffer from hypertension, and a similar number are obese.
  • The report also revealed high rates of diabetes (nearly 9%) and renal diseases (over 3%) among this age group.
  • Health officials cited changing lifestyles, increased stress, and lack of exercise as primary causes, with parliamentary elections impacting recent health screenings.

A stark reality has emerged from a comprehensive nationwide study in Nepal, revealing that a significant portion of the population over 30 is grappling with serious non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The findings indicate that one in five individuals in this age bracket suffers from hypertension, while nearly the same proportion battles obesity. These figures underscore the growing public health crisis in Nepal, driven by shifts in lifestyle, dietary habits, and escalating stress levels.

The study, which screened for hypertension, blood sugar, renal function, and body mass index, also highlighted alarming rates of diabetes, affecting nearly nine percent of those over 30, and renal diseases, impacting over three percent. These conditions, often interlinked and exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles, pose a substantial burden on the nation's healthcare system. Public health experts emphasize that these are largely lifestyle diseases, demanding a concerted effort towards promoting healthier living and preventive care.

High blood pressure, diabetes, renal disease, and obesity are all lifestyle diseases. Changing lifestyles, eating habits, lack of exercise and rising stress levels are all responsible for the rise in the burden of non-communicable diseases.

— Pomawati ThapaChief of the Non-communicable Disease and Mental Health Section at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, explaining the causes of NCDs in Nepal.

Compounding these health concerns, the report notes that parliamentary elections held in February and March disrupted crucial health screening programs. Many local health facilities were unable to conduct screenings due to election duties and the associated code of conduct. This interruption in essential health services, particularly for NCDs which are major contributors to mortality in Nepal, raises concerns about the long-term management and prevention of these diseases. The data from provinces like Sudurpaschim, which shows particularly high rates of hypertension and diabetes, further emphasizes the urgent need for targeted public health interventions across the country.

Due to the election code of conduct we could not carry out screening for non-communicable diseases. We have allocated a budget for the programme to be undertaken within the ongoing fiscal year but have not sta

— Dr Deewash NeupaneMedical officer at the KMC’s health department, explaining the impact of elections on health screening programs.
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Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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