Young Indians have been witnessing a steady and concerning rise in chronic diseases for a few years now. Heart attacks, diabetes, diet issues, eye problems and more have seen an alarming increase in the past few years, even though for all intents and purposes the people are leading a fairly healthy lifestyle.
So, what is the reason for this happening now?
Surge In Chronic Diseases
Several reports have come out, listing how various chronic health issues have seen a rise among the young generations of India. An India Today report claimed that “silent signs of coronary artery disease and metabolic dysfunction” are being seen among adults under 40.
The report also quoted Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant in internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, talking about how doctors are “seeing calcifications in the arteries of asymptomatic individuals in their 30s. Others have pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, or severe vitamin deficiencies without any obvious symptoms.”
Dr Vishakha Shivdasani pointed out how PCOS is now being frequently seen in teenage girls as young as 14 to 15 years old, as opposed to earlier, when it would usually show up in girls in their 20s.
A Plum Employee Health Report 2025, analysing data from 100,000 telehealth consultations, 25,000 insurance claims, nearly 2,000 health camp participants, and 512 survey responses, found that lifestyle-related illnesses are hitting people as young as 32, with the median age for other diseases being:
- Heart disease consults: 32
- Cancer: 33
- Diabetes: 34
- Chronic Kidney Disease: 35
- Strokes: 36
This is almost a decade earlier compared to people in developed nations.
Among women, reproductive and hormonal health issues are still seen significantly, and yet, health benefits from workplaces do not meet these needs. The survey also found that 71% of people from the data collected were at a moderate risk of non-communicable diseases.
Furthermore, the participants recorded that
- 63% saw elevated or high blood pressure
- 38% had high cholesterol
- 17% were clinically obese
- 11% were pre-diabetic
- 5% required urgent medical attention
An April 2025 Moneycontrol report claimed that the fifth edition of Apollo Hospitals Group’s ‘Health of the Nation’ report revealed how “26% of individuals screened were found hypertensive and 23% diabetic.”
Around 285,000 students were screened, and the report found that overweight and obesity were at 8% for primary students, but 28% for college students. Hypertension was also witnessed, with 9% of high schoolers being affected and college students standing at a concerning 19%. 2% of college students also showed an elevated glucose level.
A 2024 TOI report also pointed out how Type 2 diabetes (T2D) cases were seeing an alarming rise, with T2D among young people doubling in 15 years and now “every one in four young people aged 15-24 affected.”
Eye problems like myopia (nearsightedness), chronic dryness and digital eye strain, to name a few, have also seen a spike among youth in urban and rural India.
Dr Mubashir Parkar, MBBS, DNB at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Vashi, said, “Young Indians are increasingly facing eye-related problems due to lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors.”
Read More: Why This Sudden Rise Of Heart Attacks Amongst Indian Youth: Viral Video Of Youngsters Collapsing
Why Is This Happening?
The reason for this rise in chronic illnesses being seen among young Indians primarily boils down to their lifestyle, specifically the significant shift seen in how they eat, sleep, work, and live.
Dr Vishakha Shivdasani, a physician with a speciality in disease reversal and longevity, said that “This generation’s environment is wired against health.”
According to reports, the shift away from traditional foods, which are usually rich in nutrients, and towards foods marketed as healthy but lacking in nutritional value, as well as energy drinks, processed meals, and increased screen time, is contributing to this trend.
Dr Shivdasani pointed out, “Westernised diets low in fibre and protein but high in sugar and processed fat have replaced homemade food. Most young adults are undernourished despite eating enough calories.”
Dr Gulshan Rohra, Consultant Cardio-thoracic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, also commented on the recently seen increase in heart diseases among the young. He said, “One major reason for early heart disease among young Indians is the increasing prevalence of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Urbanisation has led to reduced physical activity and poor dietary habits, such as high sugar intake and low fibre consumption, which disrupt blood sugar and lipid profiles.
Women with PCOS and men with abdominal obesity are especially at risk, yet they often remain undiagnosed until a cardiac event occurs. Another issue is that we do not talk enough about preventive care.” It has also been noted that gut health is often overlooked, yet it is crucial to overall good health.
Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant in internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, speaking with India Today, said that disruption in the gut microbiome has resulted in us “seeing a rise in bloating, acidity, constipation, and nutrient malabsorption.”
Dr Shivdasani also said, “If you’re staying up late binge-watching OTT, eating chips, and skipping sleep, you’re damaging your gut and your hormones. It affects everything from energy levels and mood to immune function and weight.”
There is also the issue of hormonal disruption, as exposure to various synthetic chemicals, such as plastic, cosmetics, and more, creates an obstacle for the smooth running of the hormonal systems in the body.
Dr Shivdasani said, “These are called endocrine disruptors, and they’re everywhere, from deodorants to food packaging. We’re seeing early puberty, even in 10- or 11-year-olds, which was unheard of two decades ago.”
Sleep deprivation is also being seen as a reason why young people are contracting diseases and illnesses. Poor sleep hygiene, which can include spending too much time on your screen, sleeping at a late hour, and more, can result in a rise in cortisol, disrupt blood sugar control, increase fat retention, and also impact mood, memory, and immune response.
Dr Anamika Dubey, paediatrician at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, said, “The constant pressure to perform, along with the mental toll of social media and screen addiction, affects sleep, mood, and eating behaviour. Stress can disrupt hormone levels and weaken the immune system, creating a fertile ground for physical illness even in young, otherwise healthy individuals.”
Dr Vijay Surase, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, listed out similar reasons why heart disease is on the rise in India. He said, “Heart disease among young Indians is alarmingly on the rise, and the biggest culprit is lifestyle. We are seeing a generation that is constantly stressed, sleeps erratically, and follows sedentary work routines. Add to that processed food consumption, smoking, alcohol, and an addiction to digital screens, and you have a recipe for early cardiac problems.
Many young people falsely assume heart issues only affect the elderly, so they neglect basic health check-ups and ignore warning signs like chest discomfort or fatigue.”
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: India Today, Hindustan Times, Deccan Herald
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This post is tagged under: Young Indians, Young Indians disease, Young Indians health, Young Indians illness, chronic disease, lifestyle diseases, young Indians heart disease, lifestyle diseases, young Indians Diabetes, Diabetes india, heart disease india, young Indians eye problems, hypertension
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