Fatty liver disease is a growing concern in India, with 65% of 257,199 screened individuals affected. Notably, 85% of them had never consumed alcohol, highlighting it as a metabolic issue.
Published Apr 08, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 08, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Synopsis: A report by Apollo Hospitals reveals that one in four Indian college students is overweight or obese, while one in five shows early signs of high blood pressure. The “Health of the Nation 2025” report, based on screenings of 2.5 million people, highlights rising health issues like hypertension and diabetes, urging preventive health checks to catch conditions before symptoms appear.
One in four college students in India is overweight or obese, and one in five is showing early signs of high blood pressure, according to a new report by Apollo Hospitals.
The Health of the Nation 2025 report, launched 7 April, is based on health screenings of over 2.5 million people across Apollo’s hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers.
Among the students screened, 28 percent were found to be overweight or obese, while 19 percent were pre-hypertensive—meaning their blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet in the danger zone. These conditions often had no visible symptoms.
Across all age groups, the report found that 26 percent of people were already hypertensive and 23 percent diabetic, despite not showing any symptoms.
Apollo’s report warns that relying on symptoms to catch health problems is no longer enough. It encourages young people and adults alike to get regular preventive health checks.
Preventive screenings at Apollo Hospitals have increased sharply—from 1 million in 2019 to over 2.5 million in 2024, showing that more people are beginning to take their health seriously before problems show up.
The report also highlights three major health challenges in India today: fatty liver disease, post-menopausal health decline, and childhood obesity, calling for early lifestyle changes and personalized care.
Dr. Prathap Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals, in a statement emphasised the urgency of taking action: “India must rise to the opportunity of creating healthy, happy families by placing health at the heart of every household. Preventive healthcare is no longer a future ambition—it is the cornerstone of a nation’s well-being today. This report affirms our collective responsibility to act early, screen deeply, and empower every citizen with knowledge and access. It is time to integrate preventive care into every educational curriculum, corporate benefits, and family routines. Only then can we shift from treating illness to preserving health and ensure a resilient, healthier India for generations to come.”
According to the report, Fatty liver disease is becoming one of India’s biggest silent threats. Of 257,199 people screened, 65 percent were found to have fatty liver, and 85 percent of them had never consumed alcohol—proving this is not just a liver problem, but a full-blown metabolic issue.
Shockingly, more than half of those affected had normal blood tests, showing that traditional screening alone often misses hidden risks.
“When 66 percent of people screened have fatty liver—85 percent of them being non-alcoholic—it signals the urgency for new diagnostics and early detection at scale. Traditional screening is no longer enough. Apollo’s ProHealth program is not just empowering individuals to take control of their health; it is laying the foundation for scalable and predictive healthcare. Prevention is India’s most scalable healthcare solution, and Apollo’s mission is to democratize preventive health,” Dr. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals said in a statement.
Meanwhile, among individuals with no symptoms, 46 percent showed early signs of heart disease through calcium scoring tests—an indication of atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries).
A quarter of them had significant blockage, and 2.5 percent were under 40. It’s a reminder that early heart risks can hide in seemingly healthy people.
The report highlights a major shift in women’s health after menopause. Diabetes jumped from 14 percent before menopause to 40 percent after, and obesity rose from 76 percent to 86 percent . Fatty liver also became more common, increasing from 54 percent to 70 percent . These numbers underline how hormonal changes can trigger serious health challenges for women in midlife.
Mental health is emerging as another major concern. Of 47,424 individuals screened, 6 percent showed signs of depression—with women (7 percent ) more affected than men (5 percent ).
The highest burden was seen in the 40–55 age group. Apollo is calling for mental health assessments to become part of regular health checkups.
A worrying trend in sleep health emerged too. Among 53,000 people screened, 24 percent were at high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)—a sleep disorder closely linked to obesity and heart disease.
33 percent of men and 10 percent of women were found to be high risk, with prevalence soaring after the age of 55. OSA often goes undiagnosed, mistaken for stress or tiredness.
Micronutrient gaps remain widespread. 77 percent of women and 82 percent of men had Vitamin D deficiency, while Vitamin B12 deficiency affected 38 percent of men and 27 percent of women.
Even among people under 40, nearly half of the men and over one-third of women were Vitamin B12 deficient—an issue that impacts energy, cognition, and metabolism.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
