study-finds-over-70-pc-of-it-employees-in-hyderabad-are-obese

Over 70 per cent of the Information Technology employees surveyed in Hyderabad were found to be obese.

 

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Hyderabad and the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), has been published in Nature Scientific Reports 2025. It highlights the growing health burden in one of India’s key IT hubs.

 

The study surveyed 345 IT employees in the age group of 30 to 60 years between July 2023 and July 2024. Using the Asian cut-off for obesity, 244 participants were found to be obese. An additional 14.49 percent were overweight.

 

It was found that over 71 percent of employees sit for long hours, exceeding eight hours per day. This sedentary behaviour, along with physical inactivity, was associated with MAFLD and obesity.

 

Widespread fatty liver disease

The high obesity rate has contributed to a sharp rise in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), found in 84.06 percent of the participants. Liver fat accumulation was observed in 290 of the 345 employees.

 

Union Health Minister JP Nadda recently addressed the issue, stating that 84 per cent of IT professionals in Hyderabad show signs of fatty liver disease.

 

“The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued operational guidelines for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. These include advice on diet, physical activity, weight control, and limiting sugar and saturated fat intake. States and Union Territories have been asked to conduct screening and risk assessments, and ensure appropriate referrals,” Nadda said in Parliament.

 

The prevalence among IT workers is significantly higher than in the general Indian population, with various studies estimating MAFLD rates between nine per cent and 56.4 per cent.

 

The study found varying levels of liver fat accumulation: 20.29 percent had mild (Grade S1) steatosis, 29.86 percent had moderate (Grade S2), and 33.91 percent had severe (Grade S3). Most participants (97.39 percent) had no or mild fibrosis (F0 and F1), with only 2.32 percent showing moderate (F2) and 0.29 percent severe (F3) fibrosis. This suggests there is still a window for early intervention.

The study revealed a significant disparity in MAFLD prevalence between genders: 73.91 per cent in men, compared to 10.14 per cent in women. MAFLD was also more common among younger employees: 50.14 percent in the 30–40 age group, and 33.91 per cent in the 41–60 group.

 

Work culture linked to poor health outcomes

The study identifies the work culture in the IT sector as a key driver of the poor health outcomes observed. The sedentary nature of the work was a significant factor, with 71.88 percent of employees sitting for more than eight hours a day. This prolonged sitting was closely linked to obesity, overweight, and the development of MAFLD.

 

A lack of physical activity worsened the issue. Over one in five participants (22.61 percent) engaged in less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. The study found clear links between physical inactivity and both MAFLD and obesity.

Unhealthy eating habits were widespread. Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) was significantly associated with MAFLD, with 28.41 percent of employees regularly consuming them. A further 36.52 percent reported high-sugar diets, and 38.84 percent consumed diets low in fibre.

 

Other concerning patterns included high-fat diets (26.38 per cent) and high-salt diets (11.88 per cent). Both SSB intake and low-fibre diets were directly linked to the development of MAFLD.

 

Sleep deprivation was another major issue. About 69.86 percent of participants reported getting less than seven hours of sleep per day. Work-related stress was reported by 37.97 percent, and 25.80 percent of participants reported shift work — a factor linked to raised fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and total cholesterol.  

 

High rates of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) was found in 34.20 percent (118 employees), a figure in line with earlier studies in South India. High waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels were the main contributors.

 

High waist circumference — a marker of abdominal obesity — affected 85.80 percent of participants. Elevated fasting blood glucose was present in 20.87 percent of the study population.

 

Smoking was identified as another risk factor linked to MAFLD. The study found strong correlations between MAFLD and several metabolic indicators, including higher BMI, waist circumference, insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure.

 

The 84.06 per cent MAFLD rate among Hyderabad’s IT professionals is much higher than rates seen in the general Indian population. A systematic review found an average prevalence of 38.6 per cent, while a large study in Delhi showed 56.4 per cent.

 

Earlier studies placed MAFLD rates in India between 9 and 32 percent. An ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) study in rural Jaipur reported a rate of 37.19 per cent.

 

Government response

Nadda outlined the government’s response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including MAFLD, emphasising efforts across several ministries.

 

“The preventive aspect of NCDs is being addressed through Comprehensive Primary Health Care under the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative, promoting wellness and community-level health awareness,” the Minister said.

 

The states and union territories receive financial support through the National Health Mission for awareness and health promotion activities related to NCDs.

 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also run awareness campaigns on social media platforms to highlight liver health. These included videos, reels, and graphics to reach and engage a wide audience.

 

“The Fit India movement, implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Yoga-related initiatives by the Ministry of AYUSH are examples of cross-ministry collaboration,” Nadda said.