KARACHI, June 16: Decline in physical activity, high intake of protein-rich diet, smoking and stressful life-style are among the factors which contribute to an early onset of hypertension, diabetes, cardiac complications, stroke and osteoporosis among urban women at a comparatively young age.

Speakers, including Dr. Shabih Naz Masood, a senior gynaecologist and superintendent Sobhraj Maternity Hospital and known cardiologist Dr. Izharul Hasan in their presentations here on Monday discussed common health problems increasingly noticed among urban womenfolk in Pakistan, in the age group between 30 to 60 years.

Dr. Shabih Naz defined osteoporosis as a skeletal disorder, characterised by compromised bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture.

She called upon the women to take due care in controlling their weight and replace their meat-based diet with pulses, green vegetables, milk and milk-made products.

This, she said, coupled with physical exercise and brisk walk could also contain the onset of disease.

Dr. Izharul Hasan also spoke.—APP