Hyd obesity rate hits 81%, second-highest in country

Hyderabad: The city's obesity burden is rising sharply, with 81.3% -- of the 37.5 lakh people screened -- falling into the category, according to the Health of the Nation (HoN) Report 2026 compiled by Apollo Hospitals. This marks an 18% jump from 63% in 2025.The report ranks Hyderabad second after Mumbai (81.6%). While Delhi (81.3%) tied with Hyderabad, other metros like Kolkata (78.4%), Bengaluru (77.8%) and Chennai (77.3%) recorded relatively lower figures. The sample size across all six cities remained consistent.Apart from sedentary lifestyles, stress eating and high junk food intake — known contributors to obesity and fatty liver — experts point to excessive smartphone use as a growing factor."Many individuals now scroll on their phones until they fall asleep. This poor sleep hygiene disrupts the body's natural cycle and contributes to metabolic disorders," said Swetha A, senior dietician from the city.With earlier studies, including one between 2008 and 2020 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), flagging Telangana — especially Hyderabad — as the "diabetes capital of India", doctors warn that rising obesity could worsen the crisis."Obesity is already a silent epidemic. If current trends continue, lifestyle diseases will appear earlier (in 20s and 30s), leading to severe complications, mental health issues and a higher burden on families and the healthcare system," said Dr Madhusudhan Ch, head of gastroenterology department, Osmania General Hospital.Doctors attribute the surge to increased screen time, low physical activity, prolonged sitting and high junk food consumption.Highlighting another concern, Dr Rajiv Paul, head of the department, internal medicine, Apollo Hospitals, said misuse of steroids can also lead to rapid weight gain. "Some patients are prescribed steroids without proper evaluation and continue them for years, resulting in obesity, diabetes and bone loss," he said.Experts also flagged rising childhood obesity, now leading to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children, once considered rare. They stress the urgent need for dietary awareness, reduced processed food intake and increased physical activity.