Corporate employees lag behind overall scores, with steep declines in physical and financial wellness, especially among women and younger cohorts; 73% Indians believe high-pressure environments impact the heart, however 4 in 10 frequently ignore symptoms dismissing them as stress
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, November 13, 2025 – ICICI Lombard General Insurance, India’s leading private
general insurer, today released the 8th edition of its India Wellness Index study 2025 on the
occasion of World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2025. The study highlights that while the
nation’s overall wellness score has remained stable at 72 for the fourth consecutive year,
India continues to suffer with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, stress and heart ailments that
are silently eroding wellness across generations.
The study, conducted in partnership with Kantar, is based on a robust sample of over 2,000
respondents across 19 key urban centres, representing metros and Tier I cities across India,
assessing six dimensions of well-being – physical, mental, family, social, financial, and
workplace wellness. Findings reveal a sharp generational divide: Gen Z has reported decline
across all pillars of wellness, while Gen X and women show strong improvements,
underscoring shifting lifestyle patterns.
A major finding of this report is that 17% of Indians now report diabetes, making it one of the
top five ailments after stress, joint pain and high blood pressure. Diabetes is particularly
prevalent among millennials and corporate employees, where sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary
habits and high stress are converging to create long-term health risks.
For Indians today, Health Insurance has become more than just a policy - it’s a sense of
security. One in two view it as essential to their well-being, with diabetics leading the way in
taking proactive ownership of their health coverage.
Speaking on the report, Sheena Kapoor- Head Marketing, Corporate Communications &
CSR, ICICI Lombard, said, “The 2025 Wellness Index reminds us that India’s health story is
changing faster than we realise. While lifestyle conditions such as diabetes remain a growing
concern, the deeper insight lies in how our choices are shaping these outcomes. Younger
cohorts, particularly Gen Z, are feeling the impact of erratic routines and rising stress, pushing
them into early risk categories. In contrast, we see women and Gen X demonstrating a
stronger, more intentional approach to personal well-being — prioritising fitness, family health,
and financial protection. This shift tells us that wellness in India is increasingly anchored in
everyday discipline, not episodic awareness. As we observe World Diabetes Day, the call to
action is clear: move from reactive care to proactive living. Small, consistent habits — balanced
eating, regular movement, mindful living — amplified by preventive health tools and
comprehensive insurance solutions, can truly redefine long-term well-being. At ICICI Lombard,
our focus is on enabling this transition and empowering India to lead healthier, more resilient
lives.”
Key Findings from the 2025 Wellness Index:
Diabetes and Lifestyle Diseases:
17% of Indians report diabetes, with higher incidence among millennials and
corporates
Stress and fatigue remain dominant – 1 in 3 Indians face high daily stress and 41%
report constant tiredness.
Indians with no heart/diabetes ailments score 79 on the Wellness Index, compared to
just 70 for those with conditions
Generational and Regional Divide in Wellness:
Gen Z crisis – Wellness declines across all pillars (physical, financial, mental,
workplace, and social). Tier-1 Gen Zs most vulnerable
Gen X & Women improve – Showing gains in physical fitness, financial literacy,
workplace balance, and family bonding
Millennials rebound – Strong growth in financial and workplace wellness, driven by
higher adoption of insurance and financial planning
On an average, Indians face ~1.3 depression symptoms, with fatigue and hopeless
outlook most common. Vulnerability is highest among Millennials and corporate women,
while Gen X and Tier-1 towns remain least affected.
The North zone continues to top wellness scores, while the West remains lowest,
with metros like Mumbai and Pune dragging regional average.
Corporate Wellness Gap:
Corporate employees lag behind overall scores, with steep declines in physical and
financial wellness, especially among women and younger cohorts
73% Indians believe high-pressure environments impact the heart, however 4 in 10
frequently ignore symptoms dismissing them as stress
Work-life balance remains a challenge, with guilt, exhaustion and family strain
affecting 2/3rds of Indians; Corporates are struggling the most.
Diet & Nutrition:
While 66% of Indians claim to follow a balanced diet, most fail to reduce sugar, salt,
or fat. Consistency collapses due to lack of time, motivation, or awareness
Those who truly follow a balanced diet score 4 points higher on the Wellness Index
Insurance & Tech as Wellness Enablers:
Health insurance ownership boosts overall wellness, especially in financial and
family well-being
A rising need for holistic insurance solutions - People with physical conditions (like
heart disease, diabetes, obesity) push for pre-existing and critical illness coverage, while
those with mental health symptoms emphasize mental health cover and wellness
integration.
Fitness tracker users score ~20 points higher on the Wellness Index compared to
non-users
