The Economic Survey 2024 states that obesity has become a serious concern among the Indian youth population. The National Family Health Survey, 2019-2021 estimates of the health status of India’s population show that obesity rates among youth or adults in India have more than tripled. The annual increase in children is the highest in the world, behind Vietnam and Namibia, according to the World Obesity Federation. It said that if India is to take advantage of its demographic dividend, it is important to move the health parameters of its population towards a balanced and varied diet.
Obesity is increasing due to these reasons
According to the survey report, the Indian Council of Medical Research, in its latest dietary guidelines for Indians published in April 2024, estimates that unhealthy eating accounts for 56.4 per cent of the total disease burden in India. The report also states that micronutrient deficiencies and overweight/obesity are on the rise due to increased consumption of highly processed foods rich in sugar and fat, reduced physical activity and limited access to diverse foods.
Obesity is high in urban India
According to the National Family Health Survey 5, the percentage of men suffering from obesity in the 18-69 age group has increased from 18.9 percent in the National Family Health Survey 4 to 22.9 percent in NFHS-5. For women, it has increased from 20.6% to 24.0%. At the all-India level, data shows that the incidence of obesity is significantly higher in urban India than in rural India (29.8% vs 19.3% for men and 33.2% vs 19.7% for women), according to the National Family Health Survey 5. With the ageing population in some states, obesity presents a worrying situation. Preventive measures must be taken to enable citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
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