November 13, 2025 : India is facing a silent yet escalating public health emergency — a metabolic health crisis driven by poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and increasing obesity rates. Speaking at a national health forum in New Delhi, Rajesh Bhushan, former Union Health Secretary, warned that India’s growing burden of metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease could soon surpass the country’s infectious disease challenges.
“India today stands on the brink of a metabolic health crisis,” Bhushan stated during his keynote address. “We are seeing a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases among younger populations, and this demands urgent, coordinated action.”
The Alarming Numbers
According to the latest data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and the ICMR-NIN, over 70% of adults in urban India are now overweight or obese. Nearly 11% of adults are diabetic, while 1 in 3 Indians has high blood pressure. The situation is even more worrying among young adults — metabolic disorders are now being detected in people as young as their late twenties.
Bhushan pointed out that while India’s healthcare system has successfully tackled infectious diseases like polio and tuberculosis, the country now faces a new kind of epidemic — one fuelled by lifestyle, diet, and stress. “Our population’s health profile has shifted dramatically in the past 30 years. What used to be middle-age diseases are now showing up in college students and young professionals,” he said.
Changing Lifestyles, Rising Risks
Experts agree that rapid urbanization and changing food patterns lie at the heart of the problem. The traditional Indian diet — rich in fiber, vegetables, and whole grains — has been largely replaced by processed, calorie-dense foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
At the same time, sedentary work habits, limited physical activity, and excessive screen time have compounded the risks. Office workers, delivery staff, and even school children spend the majority of their waking hours sitting, which contributes directly to metabolic dysfunction.
Bhushan emphasized that metabolic diseases are interconnected, forming a chain reaction of health issues. “A person with obesity is more likely to develop insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes, hypertension, and eventually heart disease. These are not isolated problems — they are part of a single metabolic syndrome,” he explained.
The Economic and Social Burden
The economic implications of India’s metabolic crisis are staggering. The World Bank estimates that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) already account for over 60% of all deaths in India, and by 2030, could cost the nation nearly $4.5 trillion in healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
“Metabolic disorders don’t just shorten lives — they reduce quality of life, affect workforce efficiency, and increase healthcare dependency,” said Bhushan. “If we don’t intervene now, this will become a national development issue, not just a health concern.”
The burden also extends to rural India, where rising incomes and access to fast food are changing dietary patterns. Many rural households are now consuming more processed foods while maintaining low physical activity levels, further accelerating the spread of metabolic disease beyond cities.
Children at Risk
Perhaps the most alarming trend is the rise of childhood obesity and early-onset diabetes. Pediatricians across India are reporting increased cases of overweight children and teenagers with prediabetes and insulin resistance — conditions once rare in young populations.
“The next generation is growing up with sugar-sweetened beverages, junk snacks, and minimal outdoor playtime,” Bhushan warned. “We are cultivating a future workforce that may live shorter, unhealthier lives unless preventive measures are taken immediately.”
Government and Public Health Initiatives
In recent years, the government has taken several steps to tackle the metabolic health challenge. Initiatives like Fit India Movement, Eat Right India, and National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) are part of a broader effort to encourage healthy living.
However, Bhushan emphasized that awareness alone isn’t enough. “We need a multi-sectoral approach — urban planning that encourages walking, school programs that promote nutrition literacy, and fiscal policies that discourage ultra-processed foods,” he said.
He also called for mandatory front-of-pack food labeling to help consumers make informed choices and urged policymakers to regulate trans fats and added sugars more strictly.
The Role of Individuals
Public health experts agree that personal accountability is key. Small, consistent changes in daily life can dramatically lower the risk of metabolic disorders. These include:
- Engaging in 30–45 minutes of physical activity daily.
- Prioritizing home-cooked, balanced meals over fast food.
- Managing stress and sleep, both of which affect metabolism.
- Getting regular blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure checks after the age of 25.
“Individual behavior must complement policy interventions. Health is a shared responsibility — between the government, industry, and citizens,” Bhushan said.
The Road Ahead
As India continues its journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, the nation’s health will play a decisive role in shaping its future. Experts warn that unless lifestyle diseases are addressed on a war footing, India risks losing its demographic advantage.
Bhushan concluded his address with a stark reminder: “We cannot build a prosperous India on an unhealthy foundation. The time to act is now — through awareness, prevention, and systemic change.”
The message was clear — India’s next big health challenge won’t come from viruses or bacteria, but from the choices made in kitchens, offices, and cities across the country.
Summary
Former Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan warns India faces a looming metabolic health crisis driven by poor diets, inactivity, and obesity, urging urgent preventive policies to combat rising diabetes and heart disease rates.