Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU

Context:

India is facing an obesity challenge due to lifestyle changes, dietary shifts, and socioeconomic factors.

About Obesity in India

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), obesity rates are increasing across India. Between 2015–16 (NFHS-4) and 2019–21 (NFHS-5), overweight/obese women increased from 20.6% to 24%, and for men, from 18.9% to 22.9%. Urban areas report higher rates than rural regions.

The percentage of overweight children under 5 years doubled from 2.1% to 3.4% between 2015 and 2021. By 2030, India is projected to have 10.81% obesity among 5–9-year-olds and 6.23% among 10–19-year-olds (World Obesity Atlas 2022).

A 2023 Lancet study found 40% of women and 12% of men in India have abdominal obesity, a key risk factor for metabolic diseases.

Urban-Rural Divide

Urban Areas

Higher obesity rates are linked to sedentary lifestyles, desk jobs, reliance on processed foods, and reduced physical activity.

Urban middle-class populations are most affected due to easier access to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and fast food.

Rural Areas

While historically lower, obesity is rising among the rural poor. This is driven by dietary shifts toward refined carbohydrates and reduced physical labor. Rural communities also face limited access to nutritious foods.

Impact of Prices on Food Intake

Cost of Healthy Foods

Fruits, vegetables, pulses, and dairy are unaffordable for low-income households. Instead, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods (e.g., rice, wheat, fried snacks) dominate diets. This creates a paradox where obesity coexists with undernutrition.

Economic Inequity

The public distribution system (PDS) prioritizes staples like rice and wheat, which are high in carbohydrates. Healthier options like protein-rich foods remain out of reach for many.

Health Risks of Obesity

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and certain cancers. 

India has 101 million diabetics (highest globally) and 14.6 lakh cancer cases (projected to rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025).

Childhood Obesity

Linked to immediate health issues (e.g., asthma, sleep apnea) and long-term risks like early-onset NCDs. Psychosocial impacts include bullying, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance.

Economic Burden

The economic cost of obesity in India was $28.95 billion (1.02% of GDP) in 2019, projected to rise to ₹4,700 per capita (1.57% of GDP) by 2030.

Drivers of Obesity

Dietary Changes

Increased consumption of high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods and UPFs. Sales of processed foods grew rapidly between 2009–2019.

Sedentary Lifestyles

Urbanization has reduced physical activity. Nearly 50% of Indians fail to meet recommended exercise levels, with women (57%) less active than men (42%).

Environmental Factors

Air pollution exacerbates inflammation, contributing to metabolic diseases. Poor urban planning—dimly lit streets, lack of green spaces, and unsafe cycling lanes—discourages physical activity.

Way Forward

Campaigns like anti-obesity drive to highlight reducing oil consumption and promoting physical activity. Celebrities and influencers are leveraged to spread awareness.

Building pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, parks, and cycling lanes to encourage exercise. Safe, green spaces are critical to combat sedentary lifestyles.

Taxing HFSS foods and subsidizing fruits/vegetables. Restricting junk food advertising, especially to children, and improving nutritional labeling.

Regular obesity screening (e.g., waist circumference checks) and training healthcare providers to treat obesity as a chronic condition.

Promoting fitness programs and health monitoring in corporate policies.

Must Read Articles: 

INDIA'S BURDEN OF RISING OBESITY, THE HEFTY COST TO PAY

DOUBLE BURDEN OF OBESITY AND UNDERNUTRITION IN INDIA

LANCET REDEFINE OBESITY BEYOND BMI 

Source: 

THE HINDU