Common Medical Complications for South Asians

We have gone over the genetic predispositions that typical South Asians have for body type, but what is it that we are genuinely at risk of? While there are a plethora of things that could potentially happen, research shows that South Asians are disproportionately at risk for Metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions that significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. Risk factors for metabolic syndrome include abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. Despite its prevalence, metabolic syndrome in South Asians often goes underdiagnosed and brushed off, leading to preventable complications.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD):

South Asians have some of the highest rates of heart disease globally. A combination of high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides creates a dangerous lipid profile. More info here: 

Type 2 Diabetes:

Insulin resistance, a core feature of metabolic syndrome, often progresses to diabetes. In South Asians, this process occurs rapidly, increasing the risk of kidney disease, neuropathy, and vision loss. And no, unless you already have kidney issues, eating protein and taking supplements do not contribute to this kidney disease risk, despite what the aunties and uncles say. 

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):

NAFLD is prevalent in South Asians with metabolic syndrome, often progressing to more severe liver conditions like steatohepatitis or cirrhosis. South Asians usually have a higher percentage of visceral body fat, abdominal obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and low muscle mass compared to other ethnic populations. Due to this, they are more prone to suffer from NAFLD.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

Among South Asian women, PCOS is common and often linked with metabolic syndrome. The dual presence can exacerbate risks for infertility, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Stroke:

High blood pressure and dyslipidemia, common in metabolic syndrome, elevate the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in the South Asian population.

The most important factors for being at risk are straightforward and, unfortunately, ingrained in our cultures. The most significant contributors are listed below, but we will go into more depth into these topics in other articles.  

Genetic Predisposition: South Asians have a unique genetic makeup that predisposes them to central adiposity (abdominal fat) and insulin resistance, even at lower body mass indices (BMIs) than other ethnic groups. For more in-depth details, refer to our other article, which describes the everyday complications of genetic predisposition for South Asians. 

Dietary Patterns:

Traditional South Asian diets, often high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and saturated fats, contribute to weight gain and poor lipid profiles. Consuming excessive chapati, rice, and oily foods can slowly deteriorate health due to their unchecked frequency.

Sedentary Lifestyle:

A cultural inclination toward less physical activity, combined with urbanization and occupational shifts, exacerbates the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. We spend too much time in Kumon while neglecting physical exercise during crucial times of our moldable lives. 

Early Onset of Type 2 Diabetes:

South Asians are known to develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age and at lower BMIs compared to other populations. Whether it's due to genetics, poor diet, or a sedentary lifestyle, this can have a compounding impact on health, further increasing the chance for metabolic syndrome. 

So basically, is the deck lowkey stacked against us? Maybe. However, as informed individuals, we have the time and power to incorporate good practices into our lives to improve our chances of staving off preventable diseases. So what can we do?

Lifestyle Modifications:

Diet: Emphasize whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats while reducing refined carbohydrates and trans fats. Traditional South Asian foods can be modified to retain their flavor while excluding unhealthy ingredients.

Exercise: Regular physical activity, including aerobic and resistance training, is essential. Encouraging culturally appropriate activities, such as dance or group walking, can help improve motivation to seek active habits.

Regular Screening:

Early screening for metabolic risk factors is vital, even in lean individuals. This includes routine checks of waist circumference, fasting glucose levels, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. We highly recommend taking a quick measurement of waist circumference. More than 35 inches for women and more than 40 inches for men is indicative of increased waist circumference is the form of obesity most strongly tied to metabolic syndrome. 

Medication Management:

Pharmacological interventions, including statins, antihypertensives, and metformin, can manage individual components of metabolic syndrome. MUST see a physician for recommendations on medications.

Community-Based Interventions:

Encourage others to find resources like ours that are easy to find to help educate them. It costs nothing to read, and the more people are knowledgeable about what they are susceptible to, the easier it is to make a slight difference on a large scale.  

Mental Health Support:

Stress and depression, often overlooked, can exacerbate metabolic risks. It is essential to nurture and foster proper mental health practices. Healthy mind, healthy body. As the core of your body’s functions and motivations, mental health keeps you vigilant and better prepared as your body ages.  For more mental health information and support, find more details here.

Metabolic syndrome is a significant health concern for South Asians, driven by genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and dietary patterns. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by this population, healthcare providers and public health initiatives can offer targeted interventions to reduce the disease burden. Early prevention and culturally sensitive care are the cornerstones of improving long-term health outcomes in South Asian communities.

Advocating for systemic changes, such as improving access to healthy foods and creating supportive environments for physical activity, will also play a critical role in mitigating these risks.