India’s expanding waistline demands a multi-pronged response

As politicians busy themselves with emotive issues and narrative wars, real problems rise at a dangerous, if not alarming, pace in India; adult obesity is one of them. The proportion of overweight or obese men and women in the 15-49 years age-group rose by 4.4 and 6.7 percentage points, respectively, between 2019 and 2024, according to the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6). Conducted by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, as the nodal agency, the survey covered around 6.79 lakh households across 715 districts across states and Union Territories, except Manipur. The problem was more acute among women, with 30.7 per cent overweight or obese in 2023-24, up from 24 per cent in 2019-21. The corresponding figures for men were 27.3 per cent and 22.9 percent. For both cohorts, obesity was more pronounced in urban areas than in the countryside. This is not surprising because in villages people tend to be more physically active than in cities and towns.

Also, the general rise in obesity was understandable because the five years included the corona pandemic period, which greatly restricted physical movement of people. Still, the rise is worrisome. Besides, obesity is not just an aesthetic matter; it also brings a raft of problems along with it. Like diabetes. The proportion of men with high or very high blood sugar levels or taking medicine to control it reportedly rose to 20.9 per cent in 2023-24 from 15.6 per cent in 2019-21. For women, the corresponding figures were 17.8 per cent and 13.5 per cent, respectively. Again, the situation was worse in urban areas. Since obesity and diabetes have deleterious consequences for the human body, the problem ought to be tackled at various levels by way of policy, awareness campaigns, easier and affordable diagnostics, among several such measures. At the policy level, Central and state governments should promote healthier food environments. This could include stricter regulations on the marketing of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages, especially those targeted at children and adolescents.

Clear front-of-pack nutritional labelling, incentives for the production and consumption of healthier foods, and efforts to improve the availability of nutritious options in schools, workplaces and public institutions can encourage better dietary habits. Urban planning must also play a role by creating more pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, cycling infrastructure, parks and recreational spaces that make physical activity a natural part of daily life. Public awareness campaigns are equally important. While information about obesity and diabetes is widely available, many people still underestimate the health risks associated with excess weight. Sustained campaigns through television, social media, schools and community networks can educate citizens about balanced diets, portion control, regular exercise and the dangers of sedentary lifestyles. Such initiatives should be tailored to different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds to maximise their impact. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial. Affordable and easily accessible screening facilities for obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders should be expanded, particularly in underserved areas. Primary healthcare centres can be strengthened to provide regular monitoring, counselling and referral services. Technology,including mobile health applications and telemedicine platforms, can also help individuals track their health and receive professional guidance, as and when required. The long and the short of it is that the issue must be addressed comprehensively and urgently.