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Chandigarh Men Lead Nation in Obesity Crisis
2 Jun
Summary
- Chandigarh men are the most obese nationally at 48.5%.
- Punjab women's overweight/obese rate rose to 44.7%.
- Lifestyle changes and processed foods drive the obesity rise.
Chandigarh men now hold the unfortunate distinction of being the most obese in India, with a prevalence of 48.5% reported in the NFHS-6 survey (2023-24). This places the union territory's male population at the forefront of the nation's growing obesity challenge.
The survey also highlights a worrying trend in Punjab, where 44.7% of women are now classified as overweight or obese, an increase from previous years. This figure is significantly higher in urban areas of the state.
Experts point to a combination of factors, including a shift towards processed and ready-to-eat foods, increased sedentary behavior, and a decline in physical activity. These lifestyle changes are closely linked to a rise in non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Public health experts advocate for societal action, emphasizing the need for healthy lifestyle education in schools and promoting traditional diets. The data underscores the urgent need for interventions to address the escalating lifestyle and health crisis.
