LIFESTYLE DISEASES AND QUALITY OF LIFE abstract

Lifestyle diseases, especially non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising at an alarming rate and are clearly visible in developed as well as developing countries too. The shift in the mode of production from agriculture to industrial and towards rising service sectors has brought significant changes in lifestyle and considerably altered daily routines, eating habits, food choices and overall health. NCDs including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, malnutrition and more are interlinked to unhealthy lifestyles and their effect, treatment and post-maintenance varies across different socioeconomic classes. The branch of sociology, medical sociology dives into the intersection of health, illness and socioeconomic factors, and every health policy needs this dimension into consideration for output. This research paper is based on analyses of primary data collected from individuals suffering from NCDs and secondary data published online (NFHS 5, Government, WHO). The findings emphasize the early intervention of government, organizations, and civil society at an early stage and the need to work more towards preventing NCDs rather than cure at later stages of diseases, by incorporating traditional and non-conventional medicine practices and mass awareness programs.