Youngsters falling prey to age-related diseases

According to medical experts, conditions typically associated with aging—such as osteoporosis, obesity, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even Alzheimer’s (brain disorders)—are increasingly being reported among the youths.

Out of the 29 young respondents, 16 have discovered they are experiencing high cholesterol and weight gain due to poor dietary habits and a lack of physical activity.

Sohaila, 32, who has had high cholesterol for three years, said, “Initially, I didn’t pay attention to my diet and ate unhealthy foods. Once my condition worsened, I consulted a doctor, but I can’t exercise now because gyms are closed, and I can’t work out at home.”

Hussain Jafari, 21, who is suffering from obesity, shared his experience: “I’ve been overweight for about two and a half years. I know the foods I eat are making me gain weight. I try to avoid bread at night and eat fruits or vegetables instead, but I don’t exercise.”

Additionally, three respondents reported suffering from cardiovascular diseases for years, attributing their conditions to unemployment, lack of exercise facilities, stress, and life challenges.

Cardiovascular diseases result from the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries and increase the risk of blood clots. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to thickening and hardening of the arteries, restricting blood flow.

Tamana, 26, said, “I’ve had heart problems for six months. The doctor told me my cholesterol levels are very high, which affects my heart. I need to be cautious about my diet and exercise, but I can’t work out outside since gyms are closed for women.”

Zubair Ahmad, 21, diagnosed with heart disease, also described his situation: “I’ve suffered from heart disease for two years and endure a lot of pain. After numerous tests, the doctor said it’s due to stress and irregular sleep patterns. I was advised to maintain a regular sleep and meal schedule.”

Moreover, seven young individuals reported suffering from osteoporosis, linking it to calcium deficiency and frequent consumption of soft drinks.

Hadiya, 22, suffering from osteoporosis, said, “I’ve been in severe pain for two and a half years; even a slight impact causes intense discomfort. After tests, the doctor confirmed I have osteoporosis and calcium deficiency, and my soft drink consumption was too high.”

Somaya Barekzai, 28, also shared her struggles with osteoporosis, stating, “Now my bones and joints crack; getting up and sitting down has become increasingly difficult. Although I visited a doctor, the medication doesn’t seem to help. They said I’m low in calcium, and I can’t exercise anymore.”

Genetics plays a significant role in the development of various diseases, including diabetes. Three participants mentioned that their family history contributed to their diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, once referred to as adult-onset diabetes, is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, resistance to insulin, and a relative deficiency of insulin. Prominent symptoms of this condition include increased thirst, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

 Mehriya, 24, one of such people, explained: “I have Type 2 diabetes, and there’s a family history; my mother had it. For three years, I’ve been trying to control it, checking my sugar levels monthly and taking prescribed medications.”

Madiha, 21, also living with diabetes, said, “It’s hereditary from my mother and grandmother. I have to stick to a specific diet and exercise occasionally.”

Doctors emphasize that young individuals must not be succumbing to age-related diseases due to their biological advantages. They, however, identify several key factors contributing to the increasing incidence of such diseases among young people. These include a lack of healthy dietary habits, genetics, tobacco use, low body resistance, and insufficient physical activity.

Dr. Rahim Gul, a general practitioner, notes that the main causes are poverty, unemployment, genetics, and poor lifestyle choices.

“Certain diseases should not be seen in youth, like heart diseases and high blood pressure. Young people are typically active and energetic, so if they develop such conditions, it’s often due to hereditary factors or socioeconomic challenges,” he said.

Dr. Najibullah Shirzad, another internist, highlights negligence regarding diet and exercise, along with hereditary factors and tobacco use, as primary contributors to the rise in these diseases among the youth.

“Negligence in dietary choices can lead to a range of health issues, including obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension,” he said.

Mujib Sarwari, another internist, observes an increase in age-related diseases among young patients, especially hypertension and diabetes, linked to excessive consumption of soft drinks and energy drinks.

“Indeed, there is an increase in age-related diseases among the youth, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, which should not be prevalent in this age group,” he said.

Fatema Sahar, a cardiologist, adds that heart conditions typically associated with older adults, such as blockages and heart attacks, are increasingly observed in young patients.

“We see heart disease, including heart attacks, among young people due to factors like obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Those who manage these risk factors are less likely to face such issues, yet many young people today are struggling with them,” she said.

While efforts were made to obtain precise statistics from the Ministry of Public Health, spokesperson Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil stated they currently lack specific data on the prevalence of age-related diseases among youth.

This rise in age-related diseases among young people coincides with alarming unemployment rates and a lack of proper sports facilities and nutritional awareness, exacerbating the situation in the country.