The health emergency Indian men aren't talking about

Indian Express

2 days ago

Written By Prachi Mishra
In Indian society, the image of a man is tied to strength, stoicism, and silence. But behind this silence is a growing storm: a health crisis that is impacting men across the country. Experts warn that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health disorders, and lifestyle-related complications are escalating rapidly among Indian men, and more often than not, go unaddressed.
'There's been a sharp increase in conditions like hypertension and diabetes among men compared to women,' said Dr Atanu Pal, associate professor, department of nephrology at IPGMER and SSKM Hospital. 'Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are rising steeply, especially in high-stress professions like IT, business, and shift-based jobs,' he said.
These conditions are just the tip of the iceberg. Men between the ages of 22 and 40 are also showing early signs of mechanical back pain from long sitting hours, cardiovascular complications, and undiagnosed arthritis. 'The burden of breadwinning, societal expectations, and fast-changing lifestyles have made anxiety and depression rampant,' Dr Pal said.
Dr Pal also noted a rise in heart attacks, liver diseases (often alcohol-related), and cancers, especially lung, colorectal, prostate, and gastrointestinal, many of which are more prevalent in men. 'Even in rural India, substance abuse and depression are more common than we previously believed,' he said.
Men dominate hazardous sectors like mining and construction, and because of this, they are disproportionately exposed to occupational diseases such as silicosis and other chronic lung conditions. Long-term smoking remains a leading factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A '20-pack-year' smoker – someone who has smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or any other combination that adds up to the same total – has a much higher risk of dying young.
But while physical illnesses are visible, mental health in men remains largely invisible. Adrija Roy, a clinical psychologist, said she's seeing a rise in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression, particularly among men aged 25 to 40.
'Men are still told that crying or expressing emotion makes them weak. They suppress feelings until it turns into panic attacks or depressive episodes,' Roy said, adding that in rural areas, the problem is compounded by lack of access and stigma –– people are more likely to consult a tantrik than a therapist.
Performance pressure begins early. 'Young boys often deal with phobias, adjustment issues and social anxiety. As they grow, the pressure to 'provide' intensifies. Many turn to substances to cope, which only worsens anger and emotional regulation,' Roy said.
Roy recommended that mental health check-ups be treated like routine physical exams. 'Even if you're doing okay, check in with a therapist once a year. It should be as normal as a dental or eye check-up,' she said.
Physical appearances, too, are taking a toll. An advisor from a major pharmaceutical company flagged a rise in steroid abuse among young men trying to bulk up. 'Unregulated steroid use is leading to sudden heart failures in men in their 30s and 40s. It's dangerous and often fatal,' she said.
Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic nudged many to be more health-conscious. Hygiene, fitness, and wellness are being taken more seriously, but access to advanced therapies and preventive care remains patchy.
Men also tend to ignore early symptoms. Dr Saroj Das Majumdar, head of radiation oncology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said lung cancer is frequently misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. 'By the time symptoms like coughing blood appear, it's often too late,' he said.
India's low emphasis on preventive care only worsens the problem. 'In Western countries, health is among the top priorities. Here, it comes after food, shelter, education, marriage, and even smartphones,' Dr Pal said. He estimates that 50–60 per cent of people don't know they're ill, and among those who do, half don't seek treatment.
Another neglected dimension is male sexual health, including erectile dysfunction, often linked with diabetes and stress. But stigma keeps men from seeking help. 'Men are ashamed to admit these problems due to societal perceptions of masculinity. If caught early, these are easily treatable,' Dr Pal said.
He urged parents to start conversations about sexual health at home and normalise open dialogue. Prevention, he believes, begins with awareness.
Dr Pal recommended following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet – home-cooked, nutrient-rich meals over processed food – and incorporating daily movement. 'Even a simple walk or stretching can uplift your mood and improve your health,' he said, adding, 'Being social, spending time with friends and family, and expressing yourself emotionally are just as important.'
'Health is not just about medicine,' he said, 'it's about movement, nutrition, and meaningful relationships.'
(The author is an intern at The Indian Express)