Rising Tide of Non-Communicable Diseases in India

India is witnessing a concerning surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders, according to recent studies by Apollo Hospitals and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). These findings highlight the urgent need for preventive healthcare measures and lifestyle modifications nationwide.​

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on the Rise

The fifth edition of Apollo Hospitals’ “Health of the Nation” report, released on April 7, 2025, reveals a significant increase in NAFLD cases. Based on health screenings of 2.5 million individuals across India, the report found that approximately 65% had fatty liver, with 85% of these cases being non-alcoholic. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, nearly 47% of individuals exhibited signs of Grade I fatty liver, an early-stage condition linked to obesity and metabolic imbalances. Additionally, 24% had hypertension, 82% were overweight or obese, and 81% were vitamin D deficient.

Corroborating these findings, a 2023 AIIMS study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology indicated that over one-third (38%) of Indians have fatty liver disease, affecting nearly 35% of children as well. The study attributes this rise to the westernization of diets, increased consumption of fast food, and sedentary lifestyles. Dr. Anoop Saraya, Head of Gastroenterology at AIIMS, emphasised that while NAFLD often remains asymptomatic in its early stages, it can progress to severe liver disease if left unaddressed.

India’s Growing Burden of Chronic Illnesses

The “Health of the Nation” report also highlights a sharp increase in other non-communicable diseases. Notably, cancer cases are rising at an alarming rate, with the average age of diagnosis decreasing. For instance, the median age for breast cancer diagnosis in India is 52, compared to 63 in the U.S. and Europe. Similarly, lung cancer diagnoses occur at a median age of 59 in India, whereas it’s around 70 in Western countries. Despite these trends, cancer screening rates in India remain low; breast cancer screening stands at 1.9% compared to 82% in the U.S.

The report further indicates a rise in obesity, with prevalence increasing from 9% in 2016 to 20% in 2023. Hypertension incidence has also grown from 9% to 13% during the same period. Additionally, 1 in 10 individuals now have uncontrolled diabetes, and 1 in 3 are prediabetic. Mental health concerns are mounting, with 1 in 10 people experiencing depression, particularly among those aged 18 to 25, where the rate is 1 in 5.

Emphasis on Preventive Healthcare

In response to these escalating health challenges, Apollo Hospitals has introduced India’s first digital health risk assessment, the ‘ProHealth Score.’ This free tool evaluates factors such as family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms to generate a personalized health indicator, offering corrective measures to guide individuals toward better health.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, stressed the importance of collective action:

“The importance of health in our nation’s development cannot be overstated. We strongly believe that the entire healthcare ecosystem and the nation need to come together with a unified outlook to combat non-communicable diseases in the truest sense.”

The report highlights the importance of regular health check-ups, adopting healthier dietary habits, engaging in increased physical activity, and effective stress management to mitigate the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India. By prioritising preventive healthcare and addressing lifestyle factors, individuals and healthcare providers can work together to reverse these concerning trends and improve the nation’s overall health.​

Input from various media sources