Recent surveys reveal a sharp rise in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among both adults and youth in Hyderabad. Nearly half of the elderly suffer from hypertension, one-fourth from diabetes, and 44% are obese. Alarmingly, younger adults in their 20s and 30s are also being diagnosed, signaling a growing public health crisis.
Hyderabad is facing a dual health challenge: the burden of chronic diseases among older adults and the troubling rise of the same conditions in much younger age groups. Once considered illnesses of aging, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are now increasingly being diagnosed in people as young as their 20s and 30s.
A recent survey conducted across the city highlights the scale of the problem. Among adults over 60, 49.9% live with hypertension, 25.8% with diabetes, and 44.3% with obesity. Physicians warn that the premature onset of these conditions in younger populations could lead to decades of complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and reduced quality of life.
Major Takeaways
Elderly Burden: Nearly half of Hyderabad’s elderly population suffers from hypertension; one-fourth have diabetes.
Youth at Risk: Increasing diagnoses of lifestyle-driven conditions among people in their 20s and 30s.
Diet Crisis: Poor food habits and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors to the rise in NCDs.
Long-Term Impact: Living with diabetes or hypertension for 30–40 years raises risks of severe complications.
Gender Divide: Women show a higher burden across hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Notable Updates
Experts emphasize the need for nutrition-focused interventions and awareness campaigns to tackle the crisis.
The dual burden of malnutrition and obesity is evident, with some elderly underweight while others face lifestyle diseases.
Physicians call for preventive healthcare measures, including regular screenings, dietary changes, and physical activity.
The findings highlight the urgent need for policy-level action to integrate wellness programs into schools and workplaces.
Conclusion: Hyderabad’s rising chronic disease rates paint a worrying picture of the city’s health trajectory. With both the elderly and youth increasingly affected, the challenge is no longer confined to age. Addressing this silent epidemic requires collective action—better diets, active lifestyles, and preventive healthcare—to safeguard the future of its citizens.
Sources: Deccan Chronicle, NewsMeter