India is sitting on a hidden epidemic of chronic illnesses: Apollo Hospitals' study

The health of most Indians is at risk and the country is sitting on a hidden epidemic of chronic illnesses - 65% have fatty liver, 46% have silent heart issues, 28% of college students are obese, 26% have hypertension, 77% of women and 82% of men have Vitamin-D deficiency. Notably, 26% were found to be hypertensive and 23% diabetic when screened without any visible signs.

These are some disturbing findings from a survey done by India's leading healthcare chain Apollo Hospitals' 'Health of the Nation 2025' report, based on health screenings from over 2.5 million individuals across the Apollo ecosystem in 2024. The report zeroes in on three pressing public health challenges: the rise of fatty liver disease, deteriorating health among post-menopausal women, and escalating obesity in children and students—all of which demand a shift from reactive to proactive care.

"Driven by convenience and the relentless pace of life, our modern lifestyle has fuelled a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and depression," said Dr Prathap Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals.

Key findings

Fatty Liver - 65% of 257,199 screened had fatty liver; 85% were non-alcoholic.

Silent Heart Risks - 46% of asymptomatic individuals had signs of early atherosclerosis

Post-Menopausal Health - Diabetes jumped from 14% to 40%; Obesity rose from 76% to 86%.

Children & Students:- 28% of college students overweight or obese; 19% are pre-hypertensive.

Hypertension - Found in 26% of over 4,50,000 individuals.

Nutrient Deficiencies: 77% of women and 82% of men had Vitamin D deficiency.

Mental Health: 6% of 47,424 individuals screened showed signs of depression.

Sleep Disorders (OSA) : 24% of 53,000 screened were at high risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Apollo's ProHealth Program of pre-disease screening helped 59% reduced HbA1C, 51% reduced BP, 47% lost weight through behavioral nudging, claims the report. ''The results from our ProHealth program show that with consistent nudges and real-time data, we can create measurable population-level impact. Prevention is India's most scalable healthcare solution," said Dr. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals.

Fatty liver

The report says once seen as a concern only for those who consumed alcohol, fatty liver has now emerged as a silent epidemic linked to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Of the 257,199 individuals screened, a staggering 65% had fatty liver, and 85% of those were non-alcoholic. Even more telling, more than half had normal blood tests, meaning traditional diagnostics alone are missing early warning signs.

Post menopause diseases

The report highlights a dramatic escalation in health risks for women post-menopause. Diabetes rates spike from 14% pre-menopause to 40% post-menopause, obesity climbs sharply from 76% to 86%, and fatty liver prevalence rises from 54% to 70%. These significant shifts underline hormonal changes have profound impact on women’s long-term health, emphasising the necessity for proactive, personalised health strategies for women as they approach menopause.

Obesity among kids and youth

Obesity among students is rising rapidly, posing serious long-term health threats. The report found that 8% of primary school students were already overweight or obese—an alarming early indicator. This prevalence increases significantly through adolescence, reaching 28% among college students, highlighting the compounding impact of lifestyle and dietary changes.

Additionally, 19% of college students were found to be pre-hypertensive, showing that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are taking root much earlier than previously recognised.

Hypertension

Screening around 450000 individuals in 2024 revealed that 26% were hypertensive, often without any symptoms. Hypertension continues to be a key contributor to India’s cardiovascular burden and remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. The report calls for standardised blood pressure monitoring and public health campaigns that make BP check a routine part of wellness.

Heart Disease

Among asymptomatic individuals who underwent coronary calcium scoring, 46% had calcium deposits, which are early signs of atherosclerosis. Of these, 25% had obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Even more striking, 2.5% of those with calcium deposits were under the age of 40. These figures reinforce the importance of advanced imaging techniques like calcium scoring and CT angiography for detecting early risk.

Mental Health

Mental health has long lingered in the shadows of India’s public health conversation, but the latest data shines a much-needed spotlight. Of the 47,424 individuals screened for depression using the PHQ-9 scale, 7% of women and 5% of men exhibited signs of clinical depression, with the burden peaking in the middle-aged bracket (40–55). These figures highlight not just a growing prevalence but also the deep societal stigma that continues to hinder early intervention.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The report reveals a startling trend: 1 in 4 Indians are at high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)—a disorder closely linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and daytime fatigue. Based on screenings of 53,000 individuals, 33% of men and 10% of women were identified as high-risk. Risk levels rise sharply with age, affecting 68% of men and 22% of women over 55. Despite its high prevalence, OSA remains underdiagnosed, often mistaken for general fatigue or stress. Apollo is calling for routine sleep risk assessments in metabolic screenings, stronger public awareness about OSA symptoms, and workplace wellness programs that address sleep hygiene as a core pillar of preventive care.

Cancer Detection

In 2024, the median age for cervical cancer diagnosis was 49, for breast cancer 57, and lung cancer 61—a full decade earlier than global averages. The report advocates lowering the age threshold for routine screening and driving awareness in urban and rural populations alike.

Micronutrient Deficiencies

Anemia affected 45% of women and 26% of men, while Vitamin D deficiency impacted 77% of women and 82% of men. Vitamin B12 deficiency was also significant, with 38% of men and 27% of women showing low levels. Among those under 40, the deficiency was even more pronounced—49% of men and 35% of women were vitamin B12 deficient.

Obesity and Metabolic Dysfunction

The report highlights that 61% of individuals screened were obese, with another 18% overweight. Obesity continues to act as the root cause of a range of NCDs.