Wellness is a monumental struggle in India where even breathing clean air seems a privilege. Humankind is strained by long work hours and lifestyle diseases, all of which add to emotional, mental and physical strain.
Even seemingly healthy bodies carry conditions like high blood pressure, heart blockages and that silent killer, diabetes.
It is against this backdrop that ICICI Lombard General Insurance released the 8th edition of its India Wellness Index 2025 on World Diabetes Day on November 14.
The survey, published by a media house, reportedly covered over 2,000 respondents across 19 key urban centres in metros and Tier I cities. Six wellness dimensions were assessed: physical, mental, family, social, financial, and workplace.
The findings reveal a generational divide. Gen Z reported declines across all wellness pillars. Gen X and women showed improvements, reflecting changing lifestyle patterns.
Diabetes is a major concern. Seventeen percent of Indians report the condition. It is among the top five ailments alongside stress, joint pain, and high blood pressure. Millennials and corporate employees are most affected. Sedentary routines, poor diets, and high stress contribute to long-term risks.
Health insurance is increasingly seen as essential. One in two Indians considers it crucial to well-being. Diabetics are leading in taking proactive ownership of their coverage.
Corporate employees lag in overall wellness. Physical and financial scores show steep declines, especially among women and younger workers.
Seventy-three percent of Indians believe high-pressure environments affect heart health. Yet four in ten often ignore symptoms, dismissing them as stress. Work-life balance is a challenge. Two-thirds of Indians report guilt, exhaustion, and family strain, with corporate employees facing the greatest pressure.
Diet and nutrition are the core issues.
Although 66% of Indians say they follow a balanced diet, most struggle to cut down on sugar, salt, and fat. Busy schedules, lack of motivation, and low awareness make consistency difficult. Those who do maintain a proper diet score four points higher on the Wellness Index.
Insurance and technology are emerging as key wellness enablers. Health insurance not only protects physical health but also strengthens financial and family well-being.
People with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity increasingly seek coverage for pre-existing and critical illnesses.
Those facing mental health challenges emphasize mental health cover and wellness integration.
Fitness tracker users show a remarkable advantage, scoring about 20 points higher on the Wellness Index than those who do not track their activity.
Experts note that World Diabetes Day is a reminder of the need to move from reactive care to proactive living. Small, consistent habits—balanced eating, regular movement, and mindful living—when combined with preventive tools and comprehensive insurance, can reshape long-term well-being.
Key Findings:
– 17% of Indians report diabetes; higher among millennials and corporates.
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– 1 in 3 face high stress; 41% report constant tiredness.
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– Wellness Index: 79 for healthy, 70 for those with heart/diabetes conditions.
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– Gen Z declines across all wellness pillars; Tier-1 Gen Z most at risk.
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– Gen X and women show gains in fitness, finance, work-life balance, family.
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– Millennials improve financial and workplace wellness via insurance and planning.
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– Avg. 1.3 depression symptoms; fatigue and hopelessness common.
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– Millennials and corporate women most vulnerable; Gen X and Tier-1 towns least.
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– North tops wellness scores; West lowest.
Also Read: Diabetes Soars In Gujarat: Anti-Diabetic Drug Sales Surge by 33 Percent In Five Years https://www.vibesofindia.com/diabetes-soars-in-gujarat-anti-diabetic-drug-sales-surge-by-33-percent-in-five-years/
