India's young workforce is facing a growing burden of lifestyle-related health risks, according to a new study by employee benefits platform Pazcare.
The study based on 77,000 insurance claims and 12,000 health screenings across 4,00,000 covered lives, revealed early signs of metabolic disorders increasingly prevalent among employees aged 20 to 35.
The study also found that one in four men aged 31–35 has abnormal HbA1c levels, indicating a higher risk of pre-diabetes, while employees in this age group account for 63% of all cholesterol abnormalities. The study also highlights a rising incidence of hypertension at younger ages. Researchers attribute these trends to changing work environments, sedentary lifestyles, and delayed preventive care.
The survey revealed that healthcare costs for employers are being driven by maternity-related claims. Maternity accounts for about 20% of all hospitalisations under group health insurance, with over 60% of deliveries conducted via caesarean section, costing significantly more than normal deliveries. Maternity care expenses are also around 45% higher in metro cities compared to non-metros.
Beyond employees, dependents, particularly parents, are contributing to high-value claims, often linked to chronic conditions such as cardiac disease, cancer, and kidney disorders. This trend is increasing pressure on employer-sponsored health insurance programmes.