Many of us face emerging health challenges. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), like obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases, are common because of our sedentary lifestyle. For example, a report has shown that around 39% of adults aged 20 years and over were overweight. 

Navigating these challenges requires global collaboration, innovative solutions, and a renewed focus on preventive care. Also, as the workforce becomes increasingly diverse, it is important to be aware of diverse workforce health needs.

In this article, we will discuss the health challenges to track in 2025, as well as their causes and how to manage them to better prepare your health and benefits plans in the coming year. 

 

1. Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a very serious metabolic condition that affects the way our bodies process sugar (glucose). The condition is characterized by insulin resistance or deficiency, which makes the body unable to move glucose from the blood to the cells efficiently. This results in elevated blood glucose levels that, over time, can damage the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

 

Symptoms of diabetes

 

• Increased thirst: Excess glucose in the blood pulls fluid from tissue, causing dehydration and making you feel the need to drink water.
• Frequent urination: Increased thirst will make you drink more water, resulting in frequent urination.
• Fatigue: Diabetes means the body does not efficiently move glucose to the cells, where it is used to produce energy. Thus, the body cells do not produce enough energy, leading to fatigue and weakness.
• Blurred vision: Elevated blood sugar can cause changes in fluid levels. This can make the eye lens swell and blur vision.
• Slow-healing sores: Elevated blood sugar slows blood flow to wounds. So, it takes longer for wounds to get the nutrients needed to heal, resulting in longer healing time.
• Acanthosis Nigricans (areas of darkened skin). Excess insulin causes skin cells to reproduce rapidly. When the individual has skin with pigment, the new skin cells may have more melanin, resulting in a darker patch of skin than the surrounding skin.

 

Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

The most common way to diagnose type 2 diabetes is the fasting blood sugar test, which measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. A blood sugar level that is less than 100 mg/dL is normal. Levels of 100 – 125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes and levels over 125 mg/dL indicate diabetes. 

 

Causes of type 2 diabetes

 

• Insulin resistance: Insulin is the hormone that naturally moves glucose from the blood to the body’s cells. When the body is resistant to insulin, the hormone will not work well, causing glucose in the blood to build up.
• Insulin deficiency: If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood.
• Environmental factors: Lifestyle choices like diet and physical activity influence the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

 

Risk factors of type 2 diabetes

Things that increase the risk of developing diabetes are:

 

• Obesity: Fat cells produce chemicals that interfere with insulin’s action. So, excess fat (particularly around the abdomen) leads to insulin resistance, which then causes type 2 diabetes.
• Age: As we age, our muscle mass decreases, and fat mass may build, leading to insulin resistance. The pancreas produces less insulin with age. So, the risk of type 2 diabetes increases as people age, particularly after 45 years. 
• Sedentary lifestyle: Physical inactivity leads to weight gain, which contributes to insulin resistance. 
• Family history: Genetics contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. If someone in your family has it, you are more likely to have it.
• Ethnicity: Certain groups (such as Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanics or Latinos) are at higher risk of having this condition. 

 

Managing type 2 diabetes

 

• Monitor your blood sugar levels: Regularly monitoring your blood sugar can help you detect the disease early and assess progress when managing the condition.
• Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates. 
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise helps you burn fat, reduces insulin resistance, and helps the body use glucose more effectively. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise daily, mixing aerobic exercises and strength training.

Adopting a proactive and healthy lifestyle can help prevent and manage diabetes. Even small, sustainable changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

However, if lifestyle changes are not enough to control blood sugar, certain medications (particularly Semaglutide) can help.

Semaglutide is a medication specifically developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the effect of GLP-1, a hormone that naturally stimulates insulin release. Semaglutide stimulates the production of insulin to help the body move sugar from the blood to the cells, lowering blood sugar levels. 

It also inhibits the release of glucagon (the hormone that breaks down glycogen to produce glucose, thereby increasing blood sugar levels). Decreasing glycogen secretion means lowering the production of glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels.

 

2. Obesity

Obesity means having excess body fat. Obesity (especially in adults) is a growing global health concern! According to a report, more than 2 in 5 adults (42.4%) have obesity.

What constitutes a healthy weight can vary from one person to another. However, constant weight gain can lead to obesity and open the doors to potentially life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain kinds of cancer.

 

Symptoms of obesity

 

• Increased body weight.
• Accumulation of fats in specific areas, particularly the abdomen, thighs, and hips.
• Difficulty breathing when resting or during physical activity.
• Persistent tiredness and low energy levels due to the body working harder to carry extra weight.
• Discomfort in weight-bearing joints (like knees, hips, and back) due to increased stress.

Diagnosis of obesity

Obesity is most commonly assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), which is obtained by dividing an individual’s weight by the square of their height.

A BMI less than 18.5 shows the person is underweight. A BMI of 18.5 – 24.9 shows normal weight. A BMI of 25 – 29.9 shows overweight, while one of 30 or more indicates obesity.

 

Causes of obesity

 

• Genetics: Research shows that genes can dictate how and where the body stores fats. As a result, some people may be genetically predisposed to store more visceral fats than others.
• Poor diet: High-calorie diets rich in sugar and fats or taking in more calories than your body needs can make you gain weight.
• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle and not exercising contribute to weight gain. 
• Stress: The body reacts to stress by producing cortisol. This hormone can make you overeat, leading to weight gain.
• Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones that influence appetite, metabolism, and fat distribution can cause overeating, slower calorie burning, or fat deposition in the stomach. And these lead to metabolic health concerns, including obesity. 

 

Risk factors of obesity

 

• Gender: Females have a higher tendency to store fat and become obese, particularly during hormonal changes such as in pregnancy or menopause.
• Family history: If any of your parents have obesity, you have a higher risk of having it because of shared genetics.
• Sleep problems: Not getting at least 7 hours of sleep daily can disrupt the hormones related to hunger and appetite, making you eat more.
• Certain medications: Medications like antidepressants and corticosteroids increase the likelihood of obesity because they increase appetite and affect metabolism, leading to weight gain and extra deposits of fat in the abdomen.

 

Managing obesity

 

• Physical activity: Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes a day) can help you burn fat and result in weight loss.
• Sleep: Lack of sleep affects the body’s hormones that regulate appetite and fullness. Specifically, sleep deprivation can increase the level of ghrelin (the hormone that stimulates hunger) and decrease the level of leptin (the hormone that signals fullness), leading to increased appetite and overeating. Thus, good sleep helps the balance of these hormones, promoting good weight and overall health.
• Balanced diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods are low in calories but high in essential nutrients and will help you create a calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. High-fiber food helps you feel full longer, contributing to a reduced overall food intake. Avoid processed food and beverages, as these have high levels of added sugars and unhealthy fats that can make you gain weight fast.

 

DIY efforts can be effective in preventing and managing obesity when sustained over time. However, when these efforts are ineffective (and particularly when the individual has severe obesity), healthcare officers may recommend bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical operation that shrinks the stomach, limiting the amount of food one can eat. Gastric bypass, on the other hand, connects the smaller stomach to the lower part of the small intestine, bypassing a larger part of the digestive tract. 

However, while surgeries hold promise for improving patient outcomes, they come with high medical costs and recovery periods. 

If you’d rather not go through surgery to treat obesity, medications can help. One medication that is gaining popularity in healthcare organizations for weight loss is the once-weekly semaglutide injections. 

Semaglutide is the first approved drug for weight loss. In fact, you’ll find it in every “newest health trends in obesity treatment” discussion. It promotes weight loss in two ways: 

 

• First, it works on appetite receptors in the brain to reduce feelings of hunger and cravings. 
• Second, it slows the emptying of the stomach after eating, leading to longer-lasting feelings of fullness. 

 

Both actions lower food intake, helping with weight management.

People with obesity may also need mental health support, as the condition often leads to negative self-image and low self-esteem. Patients may also experience a higher rate of anxiety and depression. 

Also read: All You Need To Know About Semaglutide Weight Management Programs.

 

3. High blood pressure

High blood pressure occurs when the force that blood exerts on the artery walls is consistently too high. It indicates that it is hard for the blood to pump blood.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is typically growing among adults today, even among those who appear healthy. The USPSTF (US Preventive Services Task Force) estimates that about 45% of adults in the US have high blood pressure. However, it is not peculiar to adults, as about half of persons over the age of 20 have raised or high blood pressure.

Long-term studies have found that having high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health disorders and complications, including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and vision loss.

 

Symptoms of high blood pressure

High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it often has no symptoms. However, some people may experience: 

 

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds (in severe cases)

 

Diagnosis of high blood pressure

Blood pressure is commonly assessed using blood pressure measurement. The machine shows two numbers:

 

• The systolic blood pressure (upper number). The force of the blood against the artery wall when the heart beats. 
• The diastolic blood pressure (lower number). This force of the blood against the artery wall when the heart rests between beats.  

 

Normal blood pressure is a reading under 120/80mmHg (that is, the systolic blood pressure is under 120, and the diastolic blood pressure is under 80).

 

Causes of high blood pressure

 

• Obesity: Being overweight can cause resistance in the blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure.
• High sodium intake:  Excess salt causes the body to retain water, leading to high flow in arterial vessels (or high blood pressure).
• Low potassium intake: Potassium helps balance sodium levels, so low intake increases sodium levels, leading to high blood pressure.
• Excessive alcohol intake: Alcohol can narrow the muscles in the blood vessels, raising blood pressure.
• Poor diet: Foods high in saturated fats and sugars can lead to weight gain, a contributing factor to high blood pressure.
• Tobacco use: Smoking damages the walls of the blood vessels and increases the risk of plaque buildup in them. This narrows the arteries, leading to high blood pressure. 
• Physical inactivity: Lack of physical inactivity contributes to weight gain, which can cause high blood pressure. 
• Chronic kidney disease: Damaged kidneys may not effectively remove waste and extra fluid from the body, and extra fluid in the blood vessels can increase blood pressure.

 

Managing high blood pressure

 

• Focus on a heart-healthy diet low in salt and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.

 

Monitoring blood pressure regularly at home can also help detect and address any potential issues early. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

While these physical activities help, your healthcare professional may also recommend medications that can help. Common medications for high blood pressure include ACE inhibitors, which help relax blood vessels, and diuretics, which help remove excess sodium and water to lower blood pressure.

If weight gain is a contributing factor to heart blood pressure, innovative medical treatments like Semaglutide injections can help. By reducing appetite and slowing digestion, this injectable can help lower weight. This reduces the resistance in the blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure.

 

4. Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide, as they kill about 17.9 million people worldwide each year. 

CVDs include disorders like:

 

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, resulting in reduced blood flow to the heart.
• Heart attack: Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to blood muscle.
• Heart failure: A condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats that can affect how well the heart pumps blood.
• Stroke: Occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): A condition where the arteries in the legs narrow, reducing blood flow to the legs and causing pain.

 

 

The most common cardiovascular diseases are heart attacks and strokes, with the World Health Organization reporting that 4 out of 5 CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes. 

 

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease depend on the cause.

For heart issues, symptoms usually include:

 

• Chest pain
• Feelings of heaviness on the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fatigue and exhaustion

 

For CVD caused by blockages in blood vessels, symptoms include:

 

• Cramps or pain in the legs
• Leg sores that take longer than time to heal
• Swelling on the legs
• Numbness in the face or limb (usually on one side of the body)
• Difficulty with seeing, talking, or walking

 

Common causes and risk factors of CVD

 

• High blood pressure: This can damage the arteries that supply blood to the heart, causing coronary artery disease. Also, little blood flowing to the heart can cause chest pain and lead to arrhythmias.
• High cholesterol: This can cause fats to be deposited in the blood vessels, restricting blood flow through the arteries.
• Smoking: This causes plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels, causing them to be thicker and more difficult for blood to flow through.
• Obesity: Excess weight can lead to the deposition of fat in your arteries, restricting blood flow.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Being inactive can lead to weight gain, which in turn can cause fat buildup in blood vessels. 
• Unhealthy diet: A diet high in trans fat and unsaturated fat results in high cholesterol, which can cause fat buildup in blood vessels and put you at risk of heart attack.
• Family history of heart disease: Genes that cause heart disease can be passed genetically. So, having a parent with certain heart diseases increases the likelihood of having it.

 

Managing cardiovascular disease

 

• Maintain a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Quit smoking.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
• Regularly monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels and seek prompt medical attention if any risk factors or symptoms arise.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

 

Different medications can also help. For example, semaglutide injections can help you control blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. This can prevent chronic inflammation of blood vessels or fat buildup inside them, which affects blood flow through them and puts you at risk of heart failure.

Certain medical procedures and surgeries can also help, depending on the CVD you are managing. These include angioplasty (a procedure to open narrowed arteries), pacemakers (implanting a device to regulate heart rhythms), and valve repair or replacement. But these require huge healthcare costs.

 

5. Hair loss

 

Hair loss is the complete or partial loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. The condition can affect anyone, no matter their age or gender, but it is more common in adults. 

There are different types of hair loss, as follows:

 

• Androgenetic Alopecia: This is also known as male or female pattern baldness. It is a hereditary condition that manifests as thinning hair and receding hairlines in males and thinning hair in females.
• Alopecia Areata: This happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. 
• Telogen Effluvium: This is temporary hair loss triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes.

 

Symptoms of hair loss

 

• Thinning hair
• Patchy bald spots
• Receding hairlines
• Increased hair shedding (especially when washing, brushing, or combing)

 

Causes of hair loss

 

• Genetics: A family history of hair loss (especially in androgenetic alopecia) can make one have the condition.
• Hormonal changes: Conditions like pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid disorders can cause imbalances in hormones that trigger temporary hair loss. 
• Medical conditions: Autoimmune diseases can make the immune system attack the hair follicles and cause hair loss.
• Nutritional deficiencies: The hair needs nutrients (like iron, zinc, and vitamins) to grow properly. So, lacking these essential nutrients can contribute to hair loss.
• Stress: Physical or emotional stress can cause hair loss. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, excessive hair shedding is common among people who experience extreme stress.
• Medications: Hair loss is a side effect of certain medications (such as those for cancer, arthritis, and depression).
• Environmental factors: Pollution and harsh hair treatments can damage hair follicles, causing more hair loss than normal.

 

Managing hair loss

 

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those promoting hair health.
• Avoid excessive heat styling and tight hairstyles that can damage hair. You can try scalp massages with essential oils and use mild, sulfate-free hair products.
• Reduce stressful situations.

 

Where lifestyle changes do not work, your healthcare practitioner may recommend medications certain medications (Minoxidil and finasteride are common).

IV therapy can also help hair loss, especially when it is caused by nutrient deficiencies. It delivers essential vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream to support hair growth. 

Common nutrients that can be delivered include biotin (which promotes healthy hair and nails), vitamin C (an antioxidant that supports collagen production), zinc (which supports hair tissue growth and repair), and B vitamins (which helps with metabolism and can improve hair health).

 

Hair transplant surgery is an option for people with male or female pattern baldness. It involves moving hair follicles from an area of the body to the thinning areas.

 

Takeaway: Manage health issues with innovative treatments from LA ViE MD

Type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and hair loss are some of the emerging health problems that people should be wary of in 2025. To stay healthy, we must learn about them, pay attention to symptoms, regularly take appropriate tests, and act early. 

While some of these conditions can be death sentences, you can prevent them or effectively manage them and stay healthy.

LA ViE MD is a boutique medical spa in Los Gatos and Danville, California, offering a luxurious and professional environment for aesthetics and wellness treatments. 

Our innovative healthcare services include IV therapy to deliver nutrients your body needs for optimum health and Semaglutide injections to help control blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.

We are here to help you effectively manage evolving health risks and become the best version of yourself. Book an appointment today!