Metabolic Health Reset: Key Lessons from 2025 and What We Need to Fix in 2026

Sunday, January 4, 2026, 12:40

Obesity and metabolic conditions are affecting people of all ages. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other related diseases are becoming more common in children, adolescents, and adults alike. According to the NFHS-5 survey from 2019 to 2021, about one in four people is overweight. The percentages range from 8% to 50% in different states. Obesity in children is also rising quickly, affecting more than 14.4 million children.

This is the second-highest rate in the world, after China, as per GBD Obesity Collaborators, 2017. This trend can be seen in cities, small towns, and rural areas, which shows that the problem is widespread and needs to be fixed timely.

We spoke to Dr Ashish Gautam, Principal Director, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi, who shared key lessons from 2025 that we need to fix in 2026.

The Environment Has Considerable Influence on Decision-Making

Photo Credit: Freepik

People often think of being overweight as a personal problem, but the environment has a big impact on what they do every day. "Fast food and processed snacks are cheap, widely available, and heavily advertised. Many families still believe that fresh fruits and vegetables are too expensive, leading them to rely on foods that offer little nutritional value. Finding time for daily exercise is also challenging, especially in urban settings where people spend long hours at desk-based jobs," said Dr Gautam.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of Indians do not get enough physical activity. Living a healthy lifestyle becomes even more difficult when schools, workplaces, and public spaces lack safe or accessible areas for exercise.

Children Are at Risk

Being overweight as a child can have long-term consequences. Overweight children are more likely to develop breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and joint problems.

"Low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression can also hurt one's emotional health and make it hard to get through each day. It is important to encourage healthy habits early, as behaviours learned in childhood often continue into adulthood. Schools and neighbourhoods need to create environments that make it easier to exercise, eat nutritious foods, and avoid highly processed, calorie-dense options," added Dr Gautam.

Adults Face Central Obesity and High Metabolic Risk

Photo Credit: Freepik

Adults are also getting more obese, which is bad for their health. Central obesity, or fat around the stomach, is especially bad because it makes one more likely to get type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea, and some cancers. "Working long hours, not moving around much, and having easy access to high-calorie foods make the situation worse. The effects are not just on health; they also make people less productive, less mobile, and live shorter lives," added Dr Gautam.

What 2025 Taught Us About Metabolic Health in 2026

Awareness Alone Is Not Enough

Photo Credit: Freepik

Being overweight is not just about appearance; it affects every aspect of life. Productivity declines, everyday movement becomes more difficult, and the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses increases. "By 2025, it became clear that awareness of these risks alone was not enough. While people understand the importance of diet, exercise, and metabolic health, everyday environments often push them toward unhealthy choices," shared Dr Gautam.

The Same Challenges Across Age Groups

Kids and adults have to deal with the same problems. Fast food and processed snacks are cheap, easy to find, and heavily advertised. Many people still can't get fresh fruits and vegetables. There still aren't many safe places to move around and play. There are even limited chances to be active at work and in school. People are aware, but without help, that awareness doesn't lead to change.

Progress in Treatment, Gaps in Access

Medical options are improving, but access is limited. "Bariatric surgery works for people who are very overweight, but a lot of people don't know that it is an option for them. Robotic-assisted surgeries lower the risk and speed up recovery, but most of them are still only available in big cities," added Dr Gautam. It is important to make these treatments more available in regional hospitals, along with nutritional advice and periodic monitoring.

What 2026 Needs to Focus On

2026 needs to work on making it easy and possible to live a healthy life. Children should eat healthy food and engage in physical activity from a young age. "Parks, playgrounds, and safe walking areas should be at the top of the list for city planners. Schools need to have structured activities and promote balanced meals. Workplaces should make it easy for people to move around and eat healthy foods. Families need help and advice to turn what they know into habits that last," suggested Dr Gautam.

Policy Changes That Support Healthier Choices

There needs to be more control over the marketing of ultra-processed, high-calorie foods, especially for young children. Changes in policy should make it easy to choose the healthy option. Affordable, accessible nutrition and opportunities for exercise must be built into daily life.

Bottomline

Dr Gautam concluded, "It is not solely about individuals when it comes to preventing obesity. It has an effect on communities, productivity, and the healthcare system. Obesity-related chronic diseases raise medical costs and lower quality of life. In 2026, action should focus on both preventing and treating disease. This should be done by combining efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers, and the community to make it possible for everyone to live a healthy life."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.