Obesity in India: A Public Health Crisis

Context

Obesity is rising rapidly in India due to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets. In his Mann Ki Baat address, PM Narendra Modi highlighted that 1 in 8 Indians is obese and urged people to reduce oil consumption by 10% monthly. With increasing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), tackling obesity is crucial for a healthier nation.

Rising Obesity Trends

• Overweight/obese women: 20.6% (2015-16) → 24% (2019-21).
• Overweight/obese men: 18.9% → 22.9% (same period).
• Urban areas report higher obesity rates than rural.
• Childhood obesity: 2.1% (2015-16) → 3.4% (2019-21).
• By 2030, 10.81% of children (5-9 years) and 6.23% of adolescents (10-19 years) will be obese.

Health Risks of Obesity

• Cardiovascular diseases: Occur 10 years earlier in India.
• Diabetes: India has 101 million cases.
• Cancer: 14.6 lakh cases (2022) → 15.7 lakh (2025) (ICMR).
• Osteoarthritis: Excess weight damages joints.
• Mental health issues: Leads to stigma, bullying, and depression.

Causes of Rising Obesity

1. Unhealthy Diets – High intake of processed and high-calorie foods.
2. Economic Barriers – Nutrient-rich foods are expensive, leading to carbohydrate-heavy diets.
3. Lack of Physical Activity – 50% of Indians do not meet exercise recommendations.
4. Environmental Factors – Air pollution and lack of green spaces discourage physical activity.

Government Initiatives

• Poshan Abhiyaan – Improves maternal and child nutrition.
• Fit India Movement – Encourages active lifestyles.
• Eat Right India – Reduces unhealthy food consumption.
• NPCDCS – Focuses on preventing NCDs linked to obesity.

Way Forward

• Tax ultra-processed foods and improve food labeling.
• Promote physical activity through better urban planning.
• Make healthy food affordable via PDS reforms.
• Increase public awareness through media campaigns.

Conclusion

Obesity is a national health crisis, increasing NCD burden and healthcare costs. A multi-sectoral approach involving policy reforms, health awareness, and lifestyle changes is crucial to curb this growing epidemic.