Mass health screenings reveal alarming chronic disease rates in Nizhny Novgorod

More than 307,000 residents of Nizhny Novgorod Region have completed mandatory medical checkups since January 2026. The screenings uncovered widespread health concerns, with thousands diagnosed with chronic conditions and multiple risk factors identified among participants. The checkups revealed that 9,800 individuals had chronic illnesses. Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, diabetes and cancer were the most frequently recorded diagnoses.

Poor diet emerged as the leading risk factor, affecting 43.9% of those examined. Physical inactivity followed closely, present in 41.9% of residents. Smoking was reported in 26% of participants, while 32.4% were classified as overweight.

Further tests showed high cholesterol in 30.3% of patients and elevated blood sugar in 8.5%. Overall, 18.6% of residents were deemed at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The findings highlight significant health challenges across the region. With nearly a third of residents overweight and poor diet the most common issue, local health authorities now face clear targets for intervention. The data will likely shape future public health strategies in Nizhny Novgorod.