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India Faces Obesity Epidemic: NFHS-6 Reveals Alarming Rise
30 May
Summary
- Obesity in women rose to 30.7% and in men to 27.3%.
- Diabetes prevalence increased significantly in both sexes.
- Southern states lead in C-section deliveries, impacting maternal health.
The National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) indicates a sharp increase in obesity and diabetes across India. Obesity among women (15-49 years) has climbed from 24% to 30.7%, and in men from 22.9% to 27.3% since the NFHS-5. Diabetes prevalence also rose from 13.5% to 17.8% for women and 15.6% to 20.9% for men taking medication.
Southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, are identified as hotspots for overweight adults and rising diabetes. The survey also noted a significant surge in C-section deliveries nationally, with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu showing particularly high rates. This trend is more pronounced in private hospitals and urban areas compared to public facilities and rural regions.
Experts link C-sections, obesity, and diabetes in a cyclical manner, where maternal conditions increase C-section risk, and C-section birth can raise a child's long-term risk of metabolic issues. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the NFHS-6, which gathered data from nearly 6.79 lakh households to support evidence-based planning.
