Karnataka Faces Health Crisis: Over 75% of Population Found Obese or Overweight, Reveals New Report
Bengaluru, April 23, 2025
A sweeping new health study has unveiled a sobering reality in Karnataka: more than three out of every four people screened in 2024 were found to be either obese or overweight. The findings, part of the Health of the Nation 2025 report by Apollo Hospitals, highlight a rapidly escalating health crisis driven by sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition, and undiagnosed chronic conditions.
Obesity and Overweight Rates Sound Alarm Bells
According to the report, which analyzed data from over 2.5 million preventive health screenings conducted across India, 56% of those screened in Karnataka were classified as obese, while an additional 21% were overweight.
âThis is a silent epidemic,â the report cautioned, emphasizing the inadequacy of a purely symptom-based approach to healthcare. Many of the individuals diagnosed had no apparent symptoms and were unaware of their underlying health conditions.
Metabolic Disorders on the Rise
The study also revealed a surge in metabolic disorders in the state. About 28% of the individuals screened were hypertensive, with half of them in the pre-hypertensive stage. Diabetes was detected in 20% of the population, with an additional 25% at risk due to pre-diabetic conditions.
âThese figures reflect the mounting metabolic stress in our population, much of which is hidden beneath a surface of apparent wellness,â the report stated.
Widespread Deficiencies and Poor Physical Health
The report further uncovered widespread deficiencies and physical limitations among the screened population. A striking 84% of individuals in Karnataka were found to have low levels of vitamin D, which is vital for bone strength and immune health. Additionally, 64% exhibited reduced physical flexibility, affecting musculoskeletal well-being.
A Call for Preventive Healthcare
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, called for a paradigm shift in India’s approach to health. âEarly screening, personalised interventions, and health education should become integral to our homes, schools, and workplaces,â he said.
He stressed that lifestyle diseases and their complications can be mitigated through proactive measures rather than reactive treatment.
National Trends Reflect Broader Crisis
While Karnatakaâs statistics are concerning, the broader national data presents a similarly grim picture. Across the country, 65% of those screened were found to have fatty liver disease, with a staggering 85% of those cases being non-alcoholic. Signs of heart disease were present in 46% of asymptomatic individuals.
Post-menopausal women were found to be particularly vulnerable: the prevalence of obesity increased from 76% to 86%, and diabetes rates nearly tripled from 14% to 40%.
Youth and Mental Health Also Affected
The report didn’t spare the younger population either. Among college students, 28% were found to be overweight or obese, and 19% showed signs of pre-hypertensionâan early warning sign for future cardiovascular issues.
Mental health emerged as another significant concern. Symptoms of clinical depression were found in 7% of women and 5% of men screened nationwide, particularly among the middle-aged population. The findings highlight the need for greater mental health awareness and support structures.
Conclusion: A Health Crisis Demanding Urgent Action
The Health of the Nation 2025 report paints a stark picture of a population grappling with the consequences of modern lifestyles. Experts agree that urgent action is needed to promote preventive healthcare, improve nutritional awareness, and encourage physical activity.
With a majority of health conditions going undiagnosed until advanced stages, the report underscores the critical need for early detection and long-term health planning at both individual and policy levels.
âOur nation must invest in preventive care now, or we will continue to pay the price in lost productivity, rising healthcare costs, and diminished quality of life,â Dr. Reddy warned.
As Karnataka and the rest of India confront the weight of this health crisis, the message is clear: prevention is not just better than cureâit may be the only cure.
đ The Weight of the Crisis
The report shows that a large percentage of individuals are suffering from health conditions they are unaware of.
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28% were found to be hypertensive, with half of those in the pre-hypertensive stage.
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Diabetes was present in 20%, while another 25% were pre-diabetic.
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84% had low vitamin D levels, which impacts immunity and bone health.
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64% showed poor flexibility, suggesting early signs of musculoskeletal decline.
âThese figures reflect the mounting metabolic stress in our population, much of which is hidden beneath a surface of apparent wellness,â the report noted.
đŁď¸ Expert Voices Call for Urgent Action
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, stressed the need to shift toward preventive care.
âEarly screening, personalised interventions, and health education should become integral to our homes, schools, and workplaces.â
Dr. Anjali Mehta, Public Health Specialist, added:
âObesity is no longer a cosmetic issueâit is a national emergency. Prevention must start at school, in kitchens, and at workplaces.â
Nutritionist Riya Thomas pointed out:
âMost people donât realise they are pre-obese until the damage is done. Awareness and timely intervention are our strongest tools.â
𧏠Not Just a Weight Problem: A Metabolic Time Bomb
The national data reveals:
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65% of people screened had fatty liver, with 85% of those being non-alcoholic cases.
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46% of asymptomatic individuals showed early signs of heart disease.
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Among post-menopausal women, obesity rose from 76% to 86%, and diabetes from 14% to 40%.
The youth arenât spared either. 28% of college students were overweight or obese, and 19% showed signs of pre-hypertension.
Even mental health is affected. 7% of women and 5% of men showed symptoms of clinical depression, particularly among the middle-aged.
â Q&A: Breaking Down the Obesity Crisis
Q: Why is obesity such a growing concern?
A: Modern sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie diets, poor sleep, and rising stress levels have led to an explosion in lifestyle diseasesâobesity being the most visible sign.
Q: Are people aware they are at risk?
A: Unfortunately, no. Obesity often develops silently, without visible symptoms, especially in its early stages. By the time symptoms appear, complications like diabetes and hypertension may already be present.
Q: Can this be reversed?
A: Yes. With regular screenings, healthier diets, consistent physical activity, and mental wellness practices, obesity and its associated risks can be managed or even reversed.
Q: What can authorities do?
A: Policymakers must mandate preventive health screenings, regulate junk food ads, promote school-based health programs, and support local fitness initiatives.
Final Word:
The Health of the Nation 2025 report is more than a collection of alarming statisticsâit’s a wake-up call for Karnataka and the nation. With most health issues now rooted in preventable lifestyle factors, the road ahead must prioritize early detection, active living, and community-driven healthcare.
âOur nation must invest in preventive care now,â said Dr. Reddy. âOr we will continue to pay the price in lost productivity, rising healthcare costs, and diminished quality of life.â
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