Over half of Indians under 30 are overweight or obese: Apollo Hospital report

In the Delhi-NCR region, the report recorded an 81% prevalence of obesity, one of the highest figures highlighted in the study.

In Short

• Over 50% of Indians under 30 are overweight
• One in five young adults is prediabetic
• Delhi-NCR records 81% obesity prevalence

More than half of Indians under the age of 30 are now overweight or obese, raising fresh concerns about the early onset of lifestyle diseases in the country, according to the latest findings from the Health of the Nation 2026.

The report, released by Apollo Hospitals, analysed data from over three million preventive health checks conducted across India and found a growing burden of metabolic disorders among younger adults.

Doctors say the findings reflect how urban lifestyles, sedentary routines, and unhealthy diets are pushing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease to appear much earlier than previously seen.

OBESITY RISING AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

One of the most striking findings in the report is that over 50% of individuals under 30 are now overweight, while one in five young adults is already prediabetic.

Doctors say the trend signals a major shift in the country’s health profile.

Urban regions appear to be the hardest hit. In the Delhi-NCR region, the report recorded an 81% prevalence of obesity, one of the highest figures highlighted in the study.

Health experts say these patterns reflect changing food habits, reduced physical activity, and long working hours in cities.

LIFESTYLE DISEASES BECOMING MORE COMMON

The report also shows that several chronic conditions are becoming increasingly common across the population.

Among those screened, 17% were living with diabetes, while 19% had hypertension. Another 23% of participants showed signs of anaemia, indicating that nutritional deficiencies continue to remain a concern alongside rising metabolic disorders.

Doctors say obesity is emerging as one of the most important drivers of long-term health risks.

According to the findings, excess body weight was the biggest contributor to heart disease risk in four out of five high-risk individuals.

This highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to cardiovascular care that includes weight management, diet, and lifestyle changes.

HIDDEN RISKS IN LIVER AND HEART HEALTH

The report also highlighted worrying trends in liver and heart health that may go unnoticed during routine screening.

Nearly 74% of people diagnosed with fatty liver had normal liver enzyme levels, suggesting that many individuals could be living with the condition without obvious warning signs in standard tests.

Cardiac screening also revealed that almost 45% of asymptomatic individuals showed early signs of atherosclerosis, a condition in which arteries begin to narrow due to plaque build-up.

Doctors say such findings emphasise the importance of preventive health checks, particularly among younger adults who may otherwise consider themselves healthy.

NEED FOR EARLY INTERVENTION

With metabolic conditions now appearing earlier in life, doctors say the healthcare system must adapt to the changing disease pattern.

Experts warn that clinicians may increasingly need specialised training in obesity and weight management, as tackling excess weight will be central to preventing diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.

Health experts say the findings underline the urgency of addressing lifestyle risk factors early, especially among young Indians, to prevent a future surge in chronic disease.

- Ends