Looking back at 2024: The health trends that took centre stage
Dec 26, 2024
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Anonna Dutt, a contributor to The Indian Express specializing in elderly care, discusses the rise of weight loss drugs and highlights crucial health challenges facing older adults. Rinku Ghosh, also a contributor, shares fascinating insights into skincare trends and the alarming increase of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among younger people. Together, they explore how cultural influences affect health perceptions and stress the importance of holistic approaches to well-being in 2024.
2024 highlighted the urgent healthcare challenges for the elderly, particularly the rising incidences of osteoporosis and dementia requiring proactive health measures.
The emergence of GLP-1 receptor agonists revolutionized weight loss strategies, significantly aiding obesity management and positively affecting associated health conditions.
Deep dives
Elderly Care and Health Challenges
The healthcare challenges faced by the elderly population have become increasingly prominent, especially in 2024. Major issues include declining bone health, with osteoporosis making falls particularly risky; heart conditions exacerbated by aging; and rising incidences of dementia, which is being diagnosed more frequently. Statistics show that 15% of individuals over 60 experience falls annually, with hip fractures significantly linked to mortality—up to 40% of patients may die within a year of such fractures. Additionally, the importance of proactive measures, such as maintaining social connections and regular health screenings, is emphasized to mitigate cognitive decline and promote overall well-being.
Trends in Weight Loss Medication
The emergence of GLP-1 receptor agonists has transformed approaches to weight loss, offering alternatives to traditional bariatric surgery by significantly reducing body weight. These medications stimulate hormones that create a sensation of fullness, leading to successful weight management, with some patients achieving 25% weight loss. The role of these drugs extends beyond weight loss to positively impacting various health conditions linked to obesity, including heart disease and diabetes. As research continues, their recommended use is expanding, especially for individuals over 18 with obesity-related health issues, despite certain contraindications and side effects that require careful consideration.
Shifts in Skincare Awareness
Recent trends in skincare reflect a deeper understanding of skin health beyond mere cosmetics, recognizing it as vital as other organs. Influences such as long COVID highlighting skin issues, combined with a rise in awareness about pollution's damaging effects, have led to increased interest in products like ceramides and peptides. Ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier, while peptides support collagen and elastin production, promoting overall skin health and combating aging. This shift has resulted in more informed consumer choices, as individuals now seek effective skincare solutions rather than superficial beauty products.
The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt and Rinku Ghosh join us as a part of our year-end series and talk about the major trends that were seen in the health sector in 2024 all the way from skin care to weight loss drugs and more.
Hosted and produced by Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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