Young Pakistanis facing diabetes, obesity, hypertension

Doctors in Pakistan are increasingly seeing young patients with multiple metabolic disorders. Many are being

Doctors in Pakistan are increasingly seeing young patients with multiple metabolic disorders. Many are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity at the same time. These conditions were once common mainly in middle-aged adults.

Experts say this indicates a major shift in public health trends. Dr. Najam ul Islam, an endocrinologist, explained that these disorders rarely appear in isolation. “High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol often occur together. They share underlying causes like insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances,” he said.

Genetics plays a key role in metabolic disorders. Multiple genes influence appetite, fat storage, and metabolism. Environmental factors such as high-calorie diets, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic stress trigger these conditions in susceptible individuals. Hormonal imbalances make it harder to lose weight and regulate energy.

Urban lifestyles are worsening the problem. Many people spend long hours sitting at desks or in front of screens. Fast food and processed meals have replaced balanced home-cooked diets. Chronic stress and poor sleep patterns further disrupt metabolism.

Doctors warn that appearance can be misleading. People who do not look overweight may still have hidden metabolic risks. “Blood sugar or body weight alone is not enough to assess health,” Dr. Najam said. Blood tests, including lipid profiles and thyroid evaluations, are essential for accurate diagnosis.

Structured measurements like Body Mass Index (BMI) are useful but not sufficient. In South Asian populations, metabolic risks occur at lower thresholds. Fat distribution and other factors provide a clearer picture of health than weight alone.