Context:
Launched on World Health Day, Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2025 report presents alarming trends in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. The findings reveal that NCDs often originate early in life, escalate with age, and intensify post-menopause, especially in women. The report also highlights a dramatic surge in fatty liver disease, now largely driven by metabolic dysfunction rather than alcohol use.
Key Insights from the Report
1. Early Onset of NCDs Among Youth
- Apollo SHINE Foundation screened 2.85 lakh students aged 3 to 17 and college students across six States and 10 cities.
- Obesity prevalence increases with age:
- 8% of primary school children were overweight.
- 28% of college students were overweight.
- Pre-hypertension and high blood sugar:
- 9% of high school students and 19% of college students were pre-hypertensive.
- 2% of college students showed elevated blood glucose levels.
- The report warns that if unmanaged, NCDs continue to burden health well into adulthood.
2. Alarming Trends in Women’s Health Post-Menopause
- Diabetes prevalence jumps from 14% (pre-menopause) to 40% (post-menopause).
- Obesity increases from 76% to 86%.
- Fatty liver prevalence rises from 54% to 70%.
- Hypertension spikes from 15% to 40%.
- The findings underscore that metabolic and cardiovascular conditions cluster post-menopause, demanding proactive, holistic health management strategies for women.
3. Rising Fatty Liver Burden Across Population
- Out of 2.5 lakh individuals screened, 65% had fatty liver.
- Of these, 85% were non-alcoholic cases.
- Fatty liver is now referred to as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
- Driven primarily by obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, not alcohol.
Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, often with few or no symptoms, but can lead to liver damage and complications if left unmanaged.
- What it is
- Fatty liver is characterized by the accumulation of fat (triglycerides) within liver cells, sometimes leading to inflammation and damage.
- Types
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This occurs when fat builds up in the liver, but it’s not caused by heavy alcohol consumption.
- Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A more severe form of NAFLD, where the liver inflammation and damage are present along with fat accumulation.
Key Takeaways for Public Health Strategy
- NCD prevention must begin in early childhood through routine screening, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle interventions.
- A gender-specific approach is crucial, especially in managing post-menopausal health risks.
- Public awareness campaigns must address the misconception that fatty liver is alcohol-induced, highlighting its metabolic roots.
- Integrated healthcare policies should focus on youth health education, early detection frameworks, and menopausal support systems.
The Health of the Nation 2025 report paints a sobering picture of India’s NCD landscape, revealing that prevention and intervention must begin much earlier in life than previously assumed. With childhood obesity, metabolic disorders, and menopausal health risks on the rise, a multi-stakeholder response is imperative to safeguard future generations.
