According to Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2025 report, millions of Indians are unknowingly living with serious chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and fatty liver. Based on screenings of over 2.5 million individuals, the report uncovers a growing yet hidden epidemic of lifestyle diseases.
Preventive Health Checks on the Rise, Yet Awareness Lags
Preventive health check-ups at Apollo Hospitals have surged by 150%—from 1 million in 2019 to 2.5 million in 2024. This reflects growing awareness, but the data reveals a critical gap: many people show no symptoms despite serious underlying conditions. Alarmingly, 26% had undiagnosed hypertension and 23% were diabetic.
Fatty Liver Emerges as a Major Concern
As reported by indiatoday, the report highlights non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a rising health threat. Among 2.57 lakh people screened, 65% had fatty liver—85% of whom had never consumed alcohol. This trend, driven by poor diets and sedentary lifestyles, often goes unnoticed in standard lab reports, requiring advanced diagnostics for detection.
Post-Menopausal Health Requires Urgent Focus
The data reveals that women’s health sharply declines after menopause. Diabetes in women increases from 14% to 40%, obesity from 76% to 86%, and fatty liver becomes even more prevalent. Experts call for age-specific and gender-sensitive care models to address this stage of life.
Childhood and Youth Obesity on the Rise
Obesity is no longer just an adult issue. The report found 8% of primary school children and 28% of college students are overweight or obese. Alarmingly, 19% of college students showed signs of pre-hypertension, signalling early heart disease risks.
Heart Disease Often Goes Undetected
Even in asymptomatic individuals, 46% showed early signs of heart disease via calcium scoring. Notably, 2.5% of those affected were under 40, emphasizing the need for routine heart screenings in young adults.
Mental Health and Sleep Disorders Widely Overlooked
Mental health remains underdiagnosed. Of 47,000 people screened, 6% showed signs of depression—most of them women aged 40–55. Additionally, 1 in 4 Indians are at high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), with prevalence rising with age. Despite this, both conditions are frequently misattributed to stress or fatigue.
Cancer Diagnosed a Decade Earlier in India
The median diagnosis age for cervical, breast, and lung cancer in India is significantly younger—by about 10 years—than global averages. Experts urge lowering screening age thresholds and increasing awareness across urban and rural populations.
Micronutrient Deficiencies Are Rampant
Anemia affects 45% of women and 26% of men. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, impacting 77% of women and 82% of men. Vitamin B12 deficiency also poses a risk, especially among individuals under 40. These deficiencies can impair energy, cognition, and metabolism, calling for nationwide nutrition education.
Obesity and Metabolic Disorders: A Cascade Effect
The report found that 61% of those screened were obese and 18% were overweight. This excess weight is a major contributor to India’s growing non-communicable disease burden. Apollo recommends integrating BMI and metabolic checks into annual health routines and promoting physical literacy from schools to workplaces.
Call to Action: Shift from Symptom-Based to Preventive Healthcare
Apollo Hospitals urges India to prioritize preventive care. Leaders suggest incorporating health screenings into school curriculums, corporate wellness programs, and insurance plans.
“Waiting for symptoms could be too late. Early screening, lifestyle changes, and awareness are the only way forward,” emphasized Dr. Prathap Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals.