Hyderabad’s Obesity Numbers Are Soaring – Here’s Why
HYDERABAD: Obesity levels in Hyderabad have risen sharply. According to the Health of the Nation (HoN) Report 2026 by Apollo Hospitals, 81.3% of the 37.5 lakh people screened are overweight or obese. This marks a significant jump from 63% in 2025.
How Hyderabad Compares with Other Cities
Hyderabad ranks second among major metros. Mumbai leads with 81.6%, while Delhi matches Hyderabad at 81.3%. Other cities report lower levels—Kolkata at 78.4%, Bengaluru at 77.8%, and Chennai at 77.3%. The sample size across all six metros remained consistent, according to TOI.
Lifestyle Factors Driving the Rise
Doctors link the surge to sedentary lifestyles, stress eating, and high junk food intake. Excessive smartphone use has also emerged as a major concern.
“Many people scroll on their phones until they fall asleep. This habit disrupts natural sleep cycles and contributes to metabolic disorders,” said Swetha A, senior dietician.
Link to Diabetes and Health Risks
Earlier studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) identified Telangana, especially Hyderabad, as the “diabetes capital of India.” Doctors warn that rising obesity could worsen the situation.
“Obesity has become a silent epidemic. If this trend continues, lifestyle diseases will affect people earlier, even in their 20s and 30s,” said Dr Madhusudhan Ch, head of gastroenterology at Osmania General Hospital.
He added that the trend could lead to severe complications, mental health issues, and a higher burden on families and healthcare systems.
Other Contributing Factors
Doctors highlight several additional causes, including increased screen time, low physical activity, prolonged sitting, and unhealthy diets.
Dr Rajiv Paul, head of internal medicine at Apollo Hospitals, pointed to another issue—steroid misuse. “Some patients take steroids without proper evaluation and continue them for years. This leads to weight gain, diabetes, and bone loss,” he said.
Rising Concern: Childhood Obesity
Experts have also raised alarms about growing childhood obesity. Doctors now link it to conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which was once rare in children.
Need for Immediate Action
Experts stress the importance of dietary awareness and lifestyle changes. They recommend reducing processed food intake and increasing physical activity to control the growing crisis.
