PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVES ON LIFESTYLE DISORDERS: INTEGRATING PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES WITH AYURVEDIC PRINCIPLES

Background: Lifestyle disorders such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and metabolic syndrome have emerged as major public health concerns worldwide. Rapid urbanization, sedentary behavior, unhealthy dietary patterns, and psychosocial stress have contributed to a substantial increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Preventive strategies focusing on health promotion and lifestyle modification are therefore essential for reducing the global disease burden. Objective: This review aims to examine the public health dimensions of lifestyle disorders and explore the potential role of Ayurvedic preventive concepts in strengthening community-based health promotion strategies. Methods: A narrative review of literature was conducted using major biomedical databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Relevant publications related to lifestyle disorders, public health prevention strategies, and Ayurvedic preventive principles were analysed and synthesized. Results: Evidence indicates that lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and chronic stress significantly contribute to the development of non-communicable diseases. Public health strategies including health promotion campaigns, early screening programs, and policy interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing risk factors. Ayurvedic principles such as Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), and individualized lifestyle guidance provide a preventive framework that aligns with modern health promotion models. Conclusion: Integrating Ayurvedic preventive concepts with contemporary public health strategies may contribute to more holistic and culturally relevant approaches to disease prevention. Such integrative models could enhance community engagement and support sustainable improvements in population health.