India’s Growing Obesity Crisis and Health Implications

March 3, 2025

The recent focus on obesity in India has gained momentum following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. He brought into light the alarming statistics revealing that one in eight Indians is affected by obesity, particularly children. Modi urged a reduction in oil consumption and called for collective action to combat this pressing health issue. The rising rates of obesity have health implications, prompting experts to analyse underlying causes and potential solutions.

About Obesity in India

Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an abnormal accumulation of fat that poses health risks.
Data from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) indicates a troubling trend – the percentage of overweight or obese women increased from 20.6% to 24% between 2015-2021.
For men, the rise was from 18.9% to 22.9%. Urban populations show higher rates of obesity compared to rural areas.
Childhood obesity is particularly concerning, with projections indicating that by 2030, 10.81% of children aged 5-9 years will be obese.

Health Risks Associated with Obesity

Obesity is often referred to as the ‘mother of all diseases’ due to its association with severe health issues.
The WHO identifies obesity as a major risk factor for conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and various cancers.
India has the highest number of diabetes cases globally, with an estimated 101 million individuals affected.
Additionally, the burden of cancer is expected to rise, with projections estimating 15.7 lakh cases by 2025.

Factors Contributing to Rising Obesity Rates

The increase in obesity rates in urban India is attributed to several factors. Unhealthy diets rich in ultra-processed foods and decreased physical activity are contributors. Air pollution also exacerbates health risks by promoting inflammation. Economic factors play a role; low-income households often rely on inexpensive carbohydrates, leading to nutritional deficiencies. The rising trend of obesity is now also observed among rural populations, indicating a widening crisis.

Physical Activity Challenges

Research indicates that nearly half of all Indians are insufficiently active. Sedentary lifestyles are increasing due to office work and digital device usage. Unsafe outdoor conditions hinder physical activity. The lack of safe spaces for exercise, coupled with rising traffic and crime rates, discourages outdoor activities. Urban environments need to be transformed to encourage active lifestyles.

Measuring Obesity Effectively

Traditional measures of obesity, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), have limitations. BMI does not differentiate between fat and muscle mass or account for fat distribution. Abdominal fat, which is genetically predisposed in Indians, poses greater health risks. Recent guidelines recommend incorporating waist circumference and body fat measurements alongside BMI for a more accurate assessment of obesity.

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