1 in 4 Indians may risk heart disease from cholesterol, Metropolis Study

Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India’s second-largest and most respected pathology laboratory chain, has released findings from a nationwide analysis of 3.9 lakh lipid profile tests conducted over the past year. The study reveals a concerning shift in India’s cardiovascular landscape  one in four individuals shows abnormal cholesterol levels, with low levels of ‘good cholesterol’ (HDL) emerging as the single most common risk factor. 

The findings underscore that lipid abnormalities are no longer confined to older adults or those with obesity. Nearly 60% of all tests were conducted among individuals aged 31–60 years, and within this group, cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities were notably high  highlighting a crucial window for preventive action through lifestyle modification, regular monitoring, and timely medical intervention. 

Alarmingly, cardiovascular risk is now emerging much earlier than expected. More than one in three young adults (19–30 years) already exhibit low HDL levels, while nearly 17% show borderline high cholesterol, a pattern once seen predominantly in older adults. This indicates that India’s heart health crisis is now beginning in the 20s, driven by sedentary lifestyles, processed diets, and metabolic stress. 

Key National Insights from the Study

·         35% of individuals showed low HDL levels, significantly increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease.

·         About 30% had elevated total cholesterol, while 33% exhibited abnormal triglycerides — both strong predictors of heart disease.

·         24% showed borderline or high non-HDL cholesterol, a powerful indicator of atherosclerosis.

·         25% recorded borderline to very high LDL cholesterol, underscoring the widespread nature of lipid imbalance. 

A striking insight from the study is that these abnormalities are increasingly independent of obesity. Many individuals who may otherwise appear healthy still presented with low HDL and elevated triglycerides — pointing to diet quality, sedentary behaviour, stress, and inadequate physical activity as major drivers of cardiovascular risk. This highlights the need to broaden public health messaging beyond weight management to a more comprehensive focus on heart health. 

In response to the growing cardiovascular challenge, Metropolis Healthcare has launched the ‘Healthy Heart Meter’ campaign to encourage preventive care and raise awareness about heart health. The campaign features a simple five-question survey to help individuals assess their cardiovascular risk based on lifestyle choices, medical history, and basic health indicators. 

Participants are classified as Low, Medium, or High Risk based on their responses.Those in the Low-risk category are recommended to undergo a  lipid profile test, while individuals  identified as Medium or High risk are advised to opt for the comprehensive TruHealth Vital Package, which includes a range of essential diagnostic tests designed to provide a holistic health assessment. Developed by senior subject matter experts and clinicians, Metropolis’ TruHealth  Packages offer a comprehensive evaluation of internal health, enabling early detection and effective management of cardiovascular risks.The survey can be accessed via the following link: https://www.metropolisindia.com/world-heart-day-2025 

Commenting on the findings, Mr. Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said:“At Metropolis Healthcare, we are committed to advancing early detection and proactive management of chronic health conditions. Increasing public awareness and understanding of cardiovascular risks can significantly improve early diagnosis, help prevent severe outcomes, and ultimately save lives. By analysing in-house data and designing initiatives like the ‘Healthy Heart Meter’, we aim to empower individuals with actionable insights into their heart health and encourage timely diagnostic interventions. This reflects our unwavering commitment to identifying risks early and enabling better health outcomes.” 

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said:“Heart disease is no longer confined to older age. It has become one of India’s most persistent health challenges, with risks building silently across all age groups. The growing prevalence of lipid abnormalities in younger adults should serve as a wake-up call. What we need now is a shift in mindset from treating heart attacks after they occur to preventing them through regular testing, lifestyle changes, and greater public awareness. Often, a simple lipid profile test can detect risks long before symptoms appear.”

World Tourism Day highlights travel's impact on perspectives

Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Chief Business Officer of KidZania India , on World Tourism Day 2025 as he shares his thoughts stating that "World Tourism Day is a reminder that travel isn’t just about places it’s about shaping perspectives. At KidZania, our Madhya Pradesh Tourism Experience Center lets kids and parents explore virtual jungles and rivers, discover India’s tiger capital, and learn through play and quizzes. We’re not just sparking curiosity we’re raising India’s youngest ambassadors for responsible tourism and proving that true exploration begins with conservation."

BPCL Dealer network launches “Fuelling the Festive Spirit” Campaign

 

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) dealer network has rolled out its festive season campaign, “Fuelling the Festive Spirit”, from 22nd September to 31st October 2025 across 3,000 Retail Outlets in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. 

Customers fuelling up with eligible transactions can win exciting prizes of 17 car and  83 Bikes through QR-based digital  slogan context participation. BPCL spokesperson said, “Festivals in India are a time of joy, giving, and togetherness. With ‘Fuelling the Festive Spirit,’ we are delighted to reward our customers and empower our frontline teams, making every visit to our retail outlets during this festive season truly memorable.”

Tetra Pak start-up challenge winner, ZUMI, launches Lactose-Free, No Refined Sugar Milkshakes

Beanery Foods, a Hyderabad-based startup, has launched a range of lactose- free, no refined sugar, clean-label milkshakes, crafted for those with lactose intolerance, digestive sensitivities and the fast-growing community of health-conscious Indians seeking smarter indulgences. Launched under the brand name‘Zumi’,the naturally creamier and sweeter lactose-free formula is gentler on the gut and sweetened with monk fruit and jaggery, making it a healthier alternative. The product is now available across three cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai via www.zumifoods.com and Amazon and will soon be available on quick commerce platforms.

The milkshakes come in three delectable flavours inspired by the Indian desserts including Rose Kulfi, Rasmalai, and Chocolate-catering to varied palates across the country. Packaged in convenient, hygienic, ready-to-drink Tetra Pak packaging, Zumi’s milk shakes are designed for today’s on-the-go consumer, with each 200ml package serving delivers 6–7 grams of protein.

Commenting on the launch, Thapasya Vijayaraghavan, Founder, Zumi Foods, said: “We are excited to serve the ever-conscious Indian consumer with our clean, lactose- free, no refined sugar milkshakes and redefine how India snacks and indulges. At ZUMI, our vision is to make better-for-you indulge joyful, guilt-free choice for everyone, combining nutrition with exceptional taste

This International Coffee Day Step into McCafé’s World of brewing with ‘B.Y.O.B’

From intricate latte designs to bold new coffee concepts, this International Coffee Day McDonald’s India (West & South) is giving coffee lovers the ultimate chance to step behind the counter and live the barista experience. The brand has introduced an exciting initiative ‘B.Y.O.B (Be Your Own Barista)’ where customers can learn the fundamentals of coffee brewing, master professional equipment, and pick up signature tricks to craft their very own perfect cup, all under the guidance of McCafé’s expert Baristas. 

This exclusive, hands-on program will be hosted across 50 McDonald’s restaurants in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Hyderabad. In this three day event, guests can immerse themselves in the world of coffee and enjoy a one-of-a-kind barista journey in a lively, interactive setting. 

Date: 29th September, to 1st October, 2025

Time slots: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Participation details:

Customers can register themselves at their preferred slot on Swiggy Scenes. Here’s the registration link - https://swiggy.onelink.me/888564224/w83yzgm3 

And that’s not all — every participant will walk away with McCafé keepsake and a special participation certificate of their barista journey. To top it off, select stores will feature an In-store Photo Booth Experience, so you can capture your coffee-making moment in style and take home memories as rich as your brew.

HCLFoundation organizes coastal cleanup drive

 HCLFoundation, which drives the corporate social responsibility agenda of global technology company HCLTech in India, spearheaded a coastal cleanup campaign across six Indian states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and West Bengal to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025. 

The initiative mobilized local communities, HCLTech employees and partner organizations, resulting in the removal of approximately 20,000+ kilograms of marine debris by over 5,000+ volunteers, reaffirming HCLFoundation’s commitment to protecting India’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

 

This year’s campaign was strengthened by collaborations with leading environmental organizations, including Animal Welfare Conservation Society, ReefWatch Marine Conservation, SPANDAN, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Environmentalist Foundation of India, Development Research Communication and Services Centre, Plan@tEarth, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trus, and Tree Foundation. Over the past four years, HCLFoundation and its partners have successfully removed more than 560,000 kilograms of ghost nets and marine debris from India’s coastal waters.

 

A significant milestone in marine conservation was achieved in 2024 when HCLFoundation, the Indian Coast Guard and The Habitats Trust (THT) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address challenges facing India’s marine biodiversity. This partnership leverages scientific expertise, operational capacity and grassroots engagement to drive impactful conservation efforts along the nation’s coastline.

 

On International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, HCLFoundation, the Indian Coast Guard and THT jointly participated in the national cleanup campaign, demonstrating their unified commitment to marine conservation. “Environmental sustainability is central to our mission of building resilient and inclusive communities,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation.

 

“Our coastal cleanup initiative goes beyond waste removal it inspires collective responsibility and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship. Through our partnerships, we are strengthening efforts to conserve and restore India’s marine ecosystems.”

ITC Aashirvaad launches high protein Atta

 Aashirvaad, India’s No. 1 packaged atta announces the launch of its latest offering, “Aashirvaad Atta with High Protein”. This new innovative offering is aimed to make daily protein requirement more accessible for consumers.

With rising awareness around the role of protein in supporting strength, energy, and overall well-being, Indian consumers are actively seeking for various sources of protein to fulfil their daily requirement. However, face multiple challenges such as high-cost of quality protein sources, cultural food habits etc.  Aashirvaad High Protein atta is a simple way to add and fulfil protein requirement in form of ‘rotis’, already a staple in Indian diets.

As a market leader, Aashirvaad is constantly innovating and bringing new variants to market, keeping up with the consumer trends and providing easy and assured solutions. This new offering is crafted with a thoughtfully selected blend of wheat, 10% soya (a source of complete protein), Bengal gram, and oats, the atta delivers approximately 15g of protein per 100g while retaining taste and softness of a roti. Just 3 rotis a day made from this flour can help fulfil around 1/4th of the recommended daily protein requirement.

Mr. Anuj Rustagi, Chief Operating Officer - Staples and Adjacencies, Foods Division, ITC Ltd. said, “Earlier awareness about protein consumption was unique to nutrition-conscious individuals who are gym-goers, fitness enthusiast or mothers would mostly give protein rich food to children. This scenario has changed now with increasing conversations among a wider section of consumers around the importance of protein to maintain an active lifestyle. At Aashirvaad, we believe that taking care of nutrition begins at home, with everyday meals. We expect that Rotis made with Aashirvaad Atta with High Protein will act as a rich source of Protein for Indian families in days to come.”

Aashirvaad Atta with High Protein will be available on e-commerce platforms in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, in 1kg and 5kg SKUs. Pricing varies by city, starting at ₹80-86 (1kg) and ₹386 - 416 (5kg).