The health of India's young and working class is a growing concern: Apollo study

The health of Indians - especially youngsters and the working population - needs more care, as most common health risks are arriving earlier and staying hidden longer, says a large-scale study by the Apollo Hospitals Group.

Based on over three million preventive health assessments conducted across the Apollo ecosystem in 2025, the 'Health of the Nation 2026' report says at least two in three young adults are already at risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs),  nearly half have prediabetes or diabetes in working populations, and 8 in 10 are overweight, warranting clear opportunities for lifestyle-driven improvement.

''For too long, health checks were viewed as routine blood tests and vitals merely a reactive response driven by fear. Today, we are signalling a significant change. Genuine health is personal, proactive, and highly precise. A comprehensive health check is the ultimate act of self-stewardship'', observed Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals.

The general health condition of young and working populations in India is a growing concern, as health risks are already present in most of them. The study says 1 in 5 people under 30 are prediabetic, with chances of reversing with timely interventions and lifestyle changes. Among those who intervened, 28% reversed to normal. Among those over 50, only 7% did. More than half of them were obese, and more than half had abnormal cholesterol. Nearly 7 in 10 were deficient in Vitamin D, and close to half had low Vitamin B12.

Nearly two-thirds of under-30s assessed had poor flexibility, strength, or balance. Poor physical function is linked to stiffer arteries, a higher risk of falls, and a shorter lifespan. Early screening by Apollo Shine Foundation across 20,164 students (aged 17–25) found that two in three had at least one underlying health risk.

In working populations with an average age of 38, 8 in 10 were overweight, nearly half had prediabetes or diabetes, and 1 in 4 had high blood pressure.

Women show distinct risk patterns, including anemia and increasing central obesity with age. The mean age of breast cancer detection through routine mammography, based on Apollo data, was 51, nearly a decade earlier than in Western populations. In India, breast cancer arrives sooner. Among women over 40 screened, 1 in 359 had breast cancer, all asymptomatic.

''Estimates suggest that closing the women’s health gap could add up to $1 trillion annually to the global economy by 2040. Yet, our data shows that women in India continue to carry a significant health burden that often goes undetected'', said Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals.

Among individuals with fatty liver confirmed through ultrasound, 74% had normal liver enzyme levels. Among asymptomatic individuals who underwent coronary calcium scoring, 45% showed early atherosclerosis.

Healthier people had more diverse gut bacteria. As conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol build up, gut diversity dropped by about 9% in those with multiple issues.  

 The report highlights a consistent pattern across the data: health risks are being identified earlier, often without symptoms, and across multiple dimensions. It also shows that follow-up and continuity of care are associated with improved outcomes. 56% with high blood pressure and 34% with diabetes improved after following recommended care.

The report's insights were drawn from de-identified electronic medical records, structured clinical evaluations, AI-driven risk stratification, and follow-up data across Apollo's hospitals, clinics, diagnostics labs, and wellness centres, said Apollo.