MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare company, has released a study highlighting a sharp rise in metabolic and lifestyle-related risk factors among professionals aged 30 to 40. The findings show that obesity, abnormal lipid levels, and early glucose irregularities are becoming common in this age group, indicating that lifestyle diseases are setting in earlier than expected.
The insights, drawn from data analysed for 14,192 individuals aged 30–40 years, revealed that 59% were obese and 19% were overweight, reflecting a high body mass index (BMI) burden. Dyslipidaemia was also common, with 38% showing borderline or high triglycerides, 30% recording borderline or high total cholesterol, and 45% displaying low HDL (good cholesterol). Glycaemic analysis showed that 25% were pre-diabetic and 7% diabetic, while a small fraction already showed signs of high blood pressure.
When compared with national data, where obesity prevalence stands at 28.6% and diabetes at 11.4% (ICMR–INDIAB 2021), these findings point to an earlier onset of metabolic risks among urban professionals. The overlap of weight, cholesterol, and glucose changes in this age group suggests that the 30s are becoming a critical decade for health management.
The data also points to a growing pattern of metabolic syndrome - a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These include obesity, abnormal cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, hypertension, and a larger waist circumference. The overlap of these risk factors signals that many young professionals are on the verge of developing metabolic syndrome. If left unaddressed, these early warning signs can progress into serious health complications in later years, affecting both longevity and quality of life.
“This trend is particularly concerning because it appears during the phase of highest productivity, when individuals should ideally be at their healthiest,” said Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, MediBuddy. “The data clearly show that lifestyle-related risks are emerging earlier than ever. Obesity, cholesterol imbalance, and pre-diabetes are increasingly common among professionals in their 30s, a phase that should ideally be one of peak productivity and health. Early screening and sustained behaviour change through nutrition guidance, physical activity, and stress management can make a tangible difference. Corporate India has an opportunity to turn the tide by integrating proactive, preventive health initiatives into workplace wellness strategies.”
The data suggest that long working hours, irregular eating habits, limited physical activity, and stress are key contributors to this trend. Easy access to processed foods and a lack of exercise are adding to the risk burden.
The findings highlight the need for preventive healthcare over reactive treatment. Annual metabolic screenings from the age of 25, including BMI, cholesterol, and glucose checks, can help detect early warning signs. Regular screenings, supported by nutrition counselling, fitness programmes, and health coaching, can help individuals make lasting lifestyle changes.
Building a healthy and resilient workforce is now more important than ever. Addressing metabolic syndrome early through regular screening, lifestyle modification, and preventive care can help protect India’s working-age population from long-term health and productivity losses. As lifestyle-related diseases appear at younger ages, organisations can play a vital role in promoting preventive care, encouraging active habits, and ensuring access to expert-led wellness support. Early action can help safeguard both employee wellbeing and workplace productivity.