India is Falling Behind in the Fight Against Lifestyle Diseases, a Study Says

Lancet Data Shows Rising Death Rates from Heart Disease, Diabetes and Cancer

September 14, 2025

A study by The Lancet medical journal reveals a disturbing trend for India. While most of the world made progress in reducing deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include diseases linked to lifestyle factors, between 2010 and 2019, India experienced a deterioration in this area compared to the previous decade. That means not only did India fail to reduce deaths as much as before, but in fact, more people were dying from NCDs during this period than should have been the case based on earlier improvements.

NCDs refer to long-term illnesses that are not passed from one person to another. These include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke and chronic respiratory diseases. Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs are usually linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, tobacco use, alcohol consumption and stress. They can also be affected by genetics, pollution and access to healthcare. These conditions develop slowly, but they are the leading cause of death globally, and they hit hardest in countries where healthcare systems are under pressure.

According to the study, NCD mortality declined in many large and populous countries such as China, Brazil, Nigeria, Egypt and Russia. Even in regions facing economic and political difficulties, many managed to reduce the number of people dying from these conditions. In India, however, both men and women saw increases in NCD deaths during the 2010–2019 period. This is a reversal of the trend from 2001–2010, where there was at least some improvement.

This deterioration points to structural problems in how India is handling the rising burden of chronic disease. These problems likely include weak primary healthcare systems, unequal access to treatment, late diagnosis, poor awareness about prevention and a growing trend of unhealthy lifestyles. For example, many people with high blood pressure or diabetes do not know they have it until they suffer a heart attack or stroke. Cancer screenings are not widespread, and many rural and low-income communities lack even the basic services to monitor and manage chronic illness.

Moreover, India’s healthcare infrastructure has long been focused on infectious diseases and maternal and child health. While important, this has left the country unprepared for the rising wave of NCDs that now dominate causes of death.

Urbanisation and economic growth have led to more sedentary lifestyles, rising obesity and increased stress. Processed food and sugary drinks are more widely available than ever before, while exercise has decreased and pollution levels remain dangerously high in many cities. These changes have created the perfect conditions for NCDs to grow unchecked.

There is also a gap in public policy.

While the government has introduced national programmes for NCD control, these are often underfunded, poorly implemented or not integrated with general healthcare services. Many states do not have the capacity or political will to prioritise chronic disease prevention. Insurance schemes mostly cover hospital care, not early diagnosis or long-term disease management. That leaves many patients either untreated or buried in medical debt.

So what needs to be done?

First, the government must treat NCDs as a national emergency. This requires shifting the health system’s focus from cure to prevention. Regular screenings for blood pressure, sugar levels, cancer and heart disease must be made easily accessible, especially at the village and ward level. Health workers need to be trained not just to deal with infections but also to educate people about nutrition, exercise and lifestyle risks.

Second, India must strengthen its primary healthcare network. This means well-equipped clinics with trained staff and essential medicines must be made available within walking distance for every citizen. Without strong local health systems, people will continue to rely on expensive hospitals, often when it is too late.

Third, public awareness campaigns need to be bolder and more consistent. The message that heart disease, diabetes and cancer can often be prevented must reach every home, school and workplace. Schoolchildren should be taught about healthy eating and physical activity. Food labelling laws should be enforced, and the marketing of junk food, especially to children, should be restricted.

Individuals and communities also have a role. Many people still believe that illness strikes randomly or is a matter of fate. But in the case of NCDs, prevention is often within reach. People need to take their health seriously, by getting regular check-ups, eating more vegetables and less fried and processed food, walking or cycling when possible, avoiding smoking and learning to manage stress.

India cannot afford to continue on a path where NCDs rise unchecked. These illnesses not only take lives but also weaken the economy by reducing productivity and increasing healthcare costs. The time to act is now, while the damage can still be limited.

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