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(By Dr. Rajesh Surendra Badani)

There was a time when diabetes and hypertension were illnesses people worried about in their 50s or 60s. But that playbook is changing fast. Across India Inc., men in their early 30s are now showing health patterns once seen much later in life. 

High-pressure jobs, round-the-clock emails, and the invisible weight of being a provider are taking a toll. These aren’t always dramatic emergencies; they’re quiet warnings - fatigue, headaches, poor sleep, rising blood pressure that often go unnoticed until a crisis forces attention.

When Stress Turns Physical

Prolonged stress triggers a chain reaction in the body. Elevated cortisol, poor dietary habits, lack of sleep, and a sedentary routine combine to disrupt blood sugar regulation, raise cholesterol, and strain the heart. In clinical practice today, it’s not unusual to see corporate professionals in their 30s with the metabolic profile of someone 15–20 years older.

Why The Alarms Go Unheard

Part of the problem is cultural. Many men are conditioned to suppress vulnerability. Work stress, caregiving responsibilities, and financial pressure are internalised rather than spoken about. Routine health check-ups are missed, mental health support is avoided, and “coping” becomes a silent form of endurance. 

But wellness isn’t about gym memberships or step-counting apps. It’s about creating a space where men feel safe to say, ‘I’m not okay’ and actually get help.

Prevention Needs A Rethink

The good news is that early intervention works. What’s needed is a shift in mindset, from reacting to illness to staying ahead of it.
A sustainable weekly routine can make a significant difference:

• 1 day of yoga or flexibility training
• 2 days of strength or resistance exercises
• 3 days of aerobic or cardiovascular activity

This 1-2-3 approach, combined with a balanced diet, quality sleep, and regular downtime, can reset long-term health trajectories.

Towards A Healthier Corporate Culture

Workplaces play a vital role in reversing this trend. When organisations normalise conversations about health, offer flexible schedules, encourage preventive care, and make mental wellness accessible without stigma, employees, especially men, are more likely to engage.

Dr. Rajesh Surendra Badani is a Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune