June 7, 2023 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Endometriosis: A Silent Menace Disrupting Women’s Lives

Earlier this year, GOQii conducted a focused group study among 3000 women to understand which health issues they are facing. The Women’s Health Matters survey highlighted some key issues such as menstrual problems, PCOS, hypothyroidism, UTI, Fibroid and issues with infertility which continue to persist despite the increased focus on women’s health. Apart from these issues, we also found a looming threat to women’s health in the form of endometriosis.

We found that approximately 6% of women suffer from endometriosis. As compared to the other issues, this percentage might seem small but endometriosis is a growing issue among many women. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in India and is increasing in prevalence.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful and debilitating disease that affects many women. It is a condition in which the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus, grows outside the uterus and onto the ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, and other organs in the abdominal cavity.

This can cause severe pain during menstruation, severe pelvic pain, and infertility. The cause of endometriosis is still unknown, and the exact biological mechanisms are yet to be determined. However, research has suggested that genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors may contribute to the development of the disease.

Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone have been identified as potential culprits, as they have been found to stimulate the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Additionally, genetics may play a role, as endometriosis appears to be passed down through families.

Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of endometriosis. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as dioxins, can increase the risk of developing the condition. Additionally, prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices has been linked to the condition.

As per the survey, 57.1% of the women surveyed have been suffering from endometriosis for anywhere between 1-5 years.

Symptoms Include:

Painful periods
Pelvic pain
Cramping
Abnormal or heavy bleeding
Pain during or after sex
Difficulty getting pregnant
Fatigue.

Other symptoms may include bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, and painful bowel movements. Endometriosis can also cause emotional distress and depression. Some women may experience pain in their lower back, thighs or rectum. The long term health issues involving pain, fatigue and depression can lead to a reduction in quality of life, as well as decreased productivity.

How Can You Manage Endometriosis?

Managing Endometriosis can be a challenging affair but it is not impossible! Here are several tips and strategies to keep in mind:

Consult with a healthcare professional: It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional experienced in endometriosis. They can provide a proper diagnosis, suggest treatment options, and offer ongoing support.
Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about endometriosis. Understanding the condition, its symptoms, and available treatment options will empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
Pain management: Pain is a common symptom of endometriosis. Explore pain management strategies such as over-the-counter pain relievers, heating pads, hot baths, relaxation techniques, and gentle exercise. You might need prescription medications in case of severe pain.
Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate symptoms, so it’s important to find effective stress management techniques. Engage in activities that help you relax, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
Diet and nutrition: Some individuals find that certain foods worsen their symptoms. Consider keeping a food diary to identify potential triggers, such as caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, or high-fat meals. Eating a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can be beneficial.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve overall health and reduce symptoms. Aim for moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best exercise plan for your specific situation.
Support network: Seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and concerns with others who understand can be comforting and provide valuable insights and coping strategies.
Self-care: Prioritize self-care activities which help you relax and promote wellbeing. This can include getting enough sleep, engaging in activities you enjoy, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion.

Last but not the least, awareness of the condition is needed so that women can seek help early and receive the treatment they need to ensure that they are able to manage their symptoms and live full and healthy lives.

If this article helped you, let us know in the comments below. Know someone suffering from this condition? Share this article with them. Find more articles on women’s health here. To help you manage women’s health issues, get expert advice from our coaches by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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March 10, 2023 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Lifestyle Diseases On The Rise In India | IndiaFit Report 2022 – 2023

Lifestyle diseases are chronic health conditions that are caused by the way people live their lives. These illnesses develop over time and are largely caused due to leading an unhealthy lifestyle which consists of a poor diet, lack of exercise, etc. Diabetes, High Cholesterol , High Blood Pressure and Thyroid disorders are the four most common lifestyle problems among people in 2022 according to the IndiaFit Report 2022 – 2023.

The World Health Organization estimates that these lifestyle diseases are responsible for 80% of all deaths worldwide. They are the leading cause of death in the developed world, and the numbers are increasing. Poor lifestyle choices are the main reason for these lifestyle illnesses which in turn result in the majority of these deaths.

High Blood Pressure Is Still A Major Lifestyle Concern

The report indicates that high blood pressure is still a cause for concern as it is still the most common ailment, which affects 24% of those polled. This might be attributed to factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity and stress. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness regarding the risk factors associated with high blood pressure and the importance of regular monitoring.

High Cholesterol is in second place affecting 18% of the population. This might be due to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking, consuming alcohol or family history.

Diabetes is the third most common disease, affecting 17% of the population. Diabetes can be caused by excess weight, inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, junk food consumption, lack of sleep or a family history of the disease. When compared to its rivals, Thyroid disorders have a lower proportion of 7%. Iodine deficiency or any autoimmune illness might cause this sickness.

Lifestyle Diseases On The Rise

The GOQii IndiaFit Report 2022 – 2023 indicates that Lifestyle Illnesses over the last 3 years are consistently on the rise. The percentage of people with high blood pressure has increased from 23% in 2020 to 24% in 2022. High Blood Pressure still tops the chart.

High Cholesterol is another silent killer which has seen an increase. People with high cholesterol have increased from 16% in 2020 to 18% in 2022. People with Diabetes have increased from 15% in 2020 to 17% in 2022. The report indicates that 7% of people are suffering from Thyroid-related issues, out of which women are more affected by it than men. This has not changed over the years.

To know more about how Lifestyle Diseases are impacting different age groups and cities within India, download the IndiaFit Report 2022 – 2023 for a detailed breakdown here.

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March 4, 2023 By GOQii 1 Comment

India Is Still Stressed Says GOQii’s Annual India Fit Report 2022-2023

With the pandemic far behind us and life returning to normal, you would have thought that stress levels would reduce but unfortunately, that is not the case. Through a survey conducted among 10k+ Indians, to understand how Indians are coping post-COVID and if stress levels have increased or decreased, we found that stress still continues to plague Indians. Since 2021, the overall percentage of people suffering from stress has gone up.

Why Is India Still Stressed?

The current work environment globally and in India has been quite stressful. From tech companies to startups, employee layoffs have become a daily affair. The problem of over-hiring, cost pressures and funding challenges are all posing problems for companies and especially start ups. The current work environment and financial instability are the top 2 major factors impacting the stress levels of Indians

26% of Indians are stressed due to their current work situation and 17% due to financial instability. 14% are stressed due to Relationship troubles. The current work environment has become stressful with long working hours, lack of job security, low wages, and growing competition.

Since last year, job losses, pay cuts and mental health issues have become more common. With the economy in a state of flux, many people are worried about their future prospects. People are unable to deal with or find ways to tackle the situation. This has led to a lot of anxiety and stress.

Are Women Stressed More?

Our gender study showed that women are more stressed than men. Compared to 2021, we see that stress levels among women has increased from 25% to 27% in 2022.

Some of the key reasons attributed include pressure to balance family, work and health issues. Gender inequality is a major contributor to the higher stress levels among women in India. Despite advances in education and economic opportunities, women are still not treated as equals to men in many spheres, including in the workplace, in decision-making roles, and in the home. This lack of equality causes them to feel undervalued and leads to higher levels of stress. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.

Women in India often face pressure to balance their responsibilities at home and at work. Women are often seen as the primary caregivers in many households, and they can face considerable pressure to take care of their families while also succeeding in their careers. This can lead to overwhelming levels of stress.

Speaking about the study, our Founder & CEO Vishal Gondal said, “Our study indicates that the current economic and financial instability is creating unprecedented stress among people who are struggling to stay afloat in a rapidly changing world. The mounting uncertainty is the basis of the high stress levels which can be controlled with a balanced diet, changes in lifestyle and appropriate sleep patterns. We at GOQii believe that preventive healthcare is the future and the only viable, long-term solution given the huge load on the healthcare system in India. Stress & Mental health has a huge impact on physical health and overall quality of life, hence addressing it sooner with a healthy and wholesome lifestyle is the only way ahead.”

To know more about how stress is affecting Indians and the severity of stress levels in India, download the India Fit Report 2022-2023 here.

If you’ve been feeling stressed and want to learn how to manage stress, click here or speak to an expert by subscribing for GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

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