A study conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation showed that Mumbaikars on average consume 8.6 g of salt daily, surpassing the recommended 5 g, which substantially elevates the risk of lifestyle diseases. And nine out of 10 residents do not eat enough fruit and vegetables.
“Excessive salt intake is a silent health hazard that can sneak up on anyone. It’s not just about raising blood pressure; it can lead to serious cardiovascular problems, kidney disease and even stomach cancer. Salt can also wreak havoc on bones, causing calcium loss. The taste for salt is an acquired one, and it’s crucial to reduce our dependence on it,” said Dr Tushar Bandgar, head of endocrinology at Mumbai’s KEM hospital.
The BMC’s STEPS survey, conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), also revealed that 46 per cent of Mumbai’s residents are overweight, 12 per cent are obese, a staggering 74 per cent lead sedentary lives, approximately 34 per cent have high blood pressure and roughly 19 per cent have diabetes.
Dr Daksha Shah, executive health officer at the BMC, said that surveillance was conducted among citizens aged 18-69 across different departments. “Smoking, tobacco use, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, lack of physical activity, being overweight, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels are among the primary risk factors associated with heart-related diseases,” she said.
In the fight against non-communicable diseases, the BMC has taken substantial steps. Since August 2022, its medical colleges, suburban hospitals and specialised facilities have opened 26 screening centres for diabetes and blood pressure. These centres have screened around 10.45 lakh citizens to date. Since January, health workers and ASHA workers have been conducting door-to-door high blood pressure screenings for those aged 30 and above. As many as 10.45 lakh people have been surveyed so far.
Talking about non-communicable diseases, Dr Sudhakar Shinde, BMC additional commissioner, outlined how cardiovascular diseases account for 27 per cent of deaths in India.
“In the Mumbai metropolitan region in 2022, 25 per cent of registered deaths were due to heart-related issues. We are actively educating citizens about heart health and nutrition to reduce non-communicable diseases. Lifestyle changes, regular check-ups and medical advice are essential for prevention,” he said.
To promote a healthy and nutritious lifestyle, 138 yoga centres have been started in all departments. To date, 26,742 Mumbaikars have participated in yoga at these centres.
The BMC has also issued an advisory to avoid lifestyle diseases. Minimising the intake of sugar, salt and fatty foods, as well as abstaining from alcohol, smoking, and tobacco; regular check-ups for high blood pressure and diabetes for people aged 30 and above; controlling these conditions through consistent medication form part of the advisory.
Additionally, everyone is advised to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, which may involve regular exercise and yoga sessions.
BMC advisory for residents
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1. Keep sugar, salt and fatty food intake to a minimum.
2. Avoid alcohol, smoking and tobacco consumption.
3. People over the age of 30 should undergo regular check-ups for high blood pressure and diabetes.
4. Control diabetes and high blood pressure through regular medication.
5. Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, practice regular exercise and yoga.
