Why fatty liver, childhood obesity and postmenopausal issues are new risks for heart disease, diabetes: Here are takeaways from hospital study | Health and Wellness News
Fatty liver, post-menopausal women’s health and childhood obesity have emerged as the three most potent concerns for heart disease and diabetes, according to a survey conducted by Apollo Hospitals. It also turns out Indians are low on vitamins, with about 77% of women and 82% of men being deficient in Vitamin D and 49% of men and 35% of women under 40 being vitamin B12-deficient.
The report, Health of the Nation, says that of the over 2.5 million individuals studied, 26% were found to be hypertensive while 23% were diabetic despite being asymptomatic, underlining that a symptom-led healthcare model is no longer viable. It also showed that people were becoming more aware about preventive health checks as they grew exponentially from one million in 2019 to over 2.5 million in 2024 — a 150% increase in just five years.
Why is fatty liver a concern?
Once seen as a concern only for those who consumed alcohol, fatty liver appears to emerge as an important health issue linked to obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Of the 2,57,199 people screened, a staggering 65 per cent had fatty liver, 85% of whom were non-alcoholic. More than half had normal blood tests — meaning traditional diagnostics alone are not enough for a thorough evaluation.
Why postmenopausal health demands more attention
According to the report, diabetes rates spiked from 14% pre-menopause to 40% post-menopause, obesity climbed sharply from 76% to 86% and fatty liver prevalence rose from 54% to 70%. These shifts underline the need for proactive, personalised health strategies for women as they approach menopause.
Why childhood obesity should be priority
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 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.
Heart, the forever worry
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.
Screening around 4,50,000 people in 2024 revealed that 26% people were hypertensive, often without any symptoms. The report calls for standardised blood pressure monitoring and public health campaigns that make BP check a routine part of wellness.
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Sleep apnea is a rising concern
In fact, one in four 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 people, 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.
What’s the status of mental health?
On mental health, the report said that of the 47,424 individuals screened for depression, 7% of women and 5% of men exhibited signs of clinical depression, with the burden peaking in the middle-age bracket (40–55). These figures highlight not just a growing prevalence but also the deep societal stigma that continues to hinder early intervention.
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