As India celebrated World Health Day on April 7, Apollo Hospitals released its landmark “Health of the Nation 2025” report, revealing alarming trends in the country’s health landscape. The report, based on millions of health records, points to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, fatty liver, obesity, and even depression — affecting individuals across all age groups, including children and the youth.
🔍 Key Findings: It Starts Earlier Than We Think
- Fatty liver found in 65% of screened individuals, with 52% showing no symptoms in standard blood tests — indicating how routine checkups may miss early warning signs.
- Nearly half of asymptomatic individuals had early signs of heart disease, and 25% of them required urgent care — some even below the age of 40.
- Women’s health saw a drastic shift post-menopause, with a spike in diabetes, obesity, and heart conditions, underscoring the need for targeted care.
🧒 NCDs in Children & Youth: A Wake-Up Call
Apollo SHINE Foundation screened 2.85 lakh school and college students, revealing:
- 28% of college students were overweight, compared to 8% in primary school.
- 19% of college students showed pre-hypertension
- 2% already had high blood sugar levels
This marks a concerning rise in metabolic disorders during adolescence, once thought to be adult-only issues.
🧠 Mind & Muscle: The Neglected Fronts
- Over 78% of people showed limitations in flexibility, strength, and balance, even below age 40 — highlighting the early physical decline due to sedentary lifestyles.
- Depression and sleep disorders were widely underdiagnosed, silently contributing to India’s health burden.
- Deficiencies in Vitamin D, B12, and anemia remain widespread, especially among women.
🌱 Apollo’s Call to Action
Apollo Hospitals emphasized a proactive, personalized health strategy that includes:
- Imaging-based diagnostics over routine tests
- Lifestyle nudges and regular health screenings
- Strength training, nutrition tracking, and early mental health support
“NCDs are no longer just adult issues — they are now striking younger, leaving a lasting impact on quality of life. It’s time to shift focus from treatment to prevention,”
— Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder & Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group
The Health of the Nation 2025 report is a clarion call to individuals, policymakers, and healthcare providers to rethink health as a lifelong responsibility, not just an emergency protocol.
Credit: This article is based on findings from Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation Report 2025.
