This article is part of the UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis, covering The Hindu editorial – " India’s burden of rising obesity, the hefty cost to pay," published on 4th March, by the best UPSC coaching in Kolkata.
India is facing a growing obesity crisis, with NFHS-5 revealing that one in four Indians is obese and childhood obesity rising at an alarming rate. The ICMR study (2023) found that 35 crore Indians have abdominal obesity, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Factors such as urbanization, poor diet, sedentary lifestyles and genetic predisposition contribute to this trend. The government has launched initiatives like the NPCDCS, Fit India Movement, FSSAI regulations and school-based interventions, but gaps in policy enforcement and urban planning remain. Urgent action, including higher taxation on unhealthy foods, public awareness campaigns and workplace interventions, is needed to combat this public health and economic challenge.
In the last two decades, India has undergone a major epidemiological transition, with overweight and obesity emerging as significant public health challenges.
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat accumulates to a level that can negatively impact health. It is recognized as a disease by multiple organizations.
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Obesity is classified using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated as a person’s weight divided by the square of their height.
Obesity is a leading cause of disability and is linked to several serious health conditions, including:
Obesity results from a combination of individual, socioeconomic and environmental factors. Key causes include:
Obesity is a complex condition requiring a multifaceted approach to prevention and management.
The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019-21) reveals that nearly one in four Indians is obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity varies across States, rural and urban areas and gender, ranging from 8% to 50%.
According to the World Obesity Federation, childhood obesity in India is increasing at one of the fastest rates globally. Over the last 15 years, obesity in both adults and children has doubled and in the last three decades, it has tripled.
A nationwide study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology (2023), reported alarming obesity-related statistics for adults over 20 years:
Obesity in India is no longer just a personal health issue but a public health crisis with economic and social implications. The shift from a calorie-deficient to a calorie-sufficient society, coupled with lifestyle changes, has exacerbated the problem.
Obesity is often normalized in India, with limited recognition of its impact on public health. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report (2024) highlights the paradox of food availability:
The increased consumption of high-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) foods and ultra-processed foods (UPF), along with urbanization and sedentary lifestyles, has worsened the obesity crisis. A World Health Organization (WHO) report states that 50% of Indians fail to meet recommended physical activity levels.
Despite these efforts, obesity prevention still heavily relies on individual responsibility rather than strong policy interventions. There is a need for stricter regulations on HFSS and UPF consumption, better urban planning for active lifestyles and stronger enforcement of nutritional policies to ensure a long-term reduction in obesity rates.
Note: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are highly processed foods that often contain artificial ingredients and lack nutrients. They are linked to an increased risk of health conditions like obesity, heart disease and cancer.
A structured public awareness campaign must emphasize that obesity is a disease requiring prevention and medical attention. Awareness initiatives should highlight obesity’s links to diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and liver disorders. Campaigns similar to India's Pulse Polio initiative could help in behavior modification.
Urban infrastructure should encourage active mobility by developing cycling lanes, free parks and open gymnasiums. Successful global models include Copenhagen’s cycling-friendly infrastructure. Workplaces should introduce movement breaks and provide standing desks to promote an exercise-friendly environment.
Routine health check-ups should include weight, height and waist circumference assessments. Health awareness programs must educate individuals on the ideal weight formula (height in cm - 100 for males, height in cm - 105 for females) and safe waist circumference limits (≤80 cm for women and ≤90 cm for men). Japan’s ‘Metabo Law’ can be a guiding model.
As anti-obesity drugs enter the market, clear clinical guidelines are needed to regulate their prescription. India must ensure that these drugs are used judiciously, similar to FDA guidelines in the US.
Workplaces should implement awareness campaigns on unhealthy weight, access to weighing scales and routine body composition analysis. Some multinational corporations already conduct annual health screenings for employees.
Schools should promote the ‘Health-Promoting Schools’ model, as seen in Japan, where nutritionists and dietitians are integrated into the school system. Canteens should offer only healthy food options, ensuring adherence to dietary guidelines.
Tackling obesity requires multi-ministerial engagement, including health, finance, education, urban planning and agriculture. India’s nutrition intervention programs should evolve into ‘Suposhan Abhiyan’, which focuses on mindful eating, underfeeding and micronutrient supplementation.
Obesity is no longer a personal health concern; it is a national public health crisis. It demands comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions to mitigate its impact on India’s healthcare system, economic productivity and overall well-being. Without urgent policy actions, obesity will continue to be a growing burden. The need of the hour is a coordinated effort across government, healthcare, education and industry to ensure a healthier future for India.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q:Discuss the rising obesity epidemic in India, its health and economic implications and the need for policy interventions. (250 words) |
1. Why is obesity a growing concern in India?
India is experiencing a sharp rise in obesity due to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets, making it a major public health issue.
2. How is obesity measured?
Obesity is classified using Body Mass Index (BMI):
3. What are the health risks of obesity?
Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, cancer and osteoarthritis.
4. What did the NFHS-5 survey reveal about obesity in India?
Nearly one in four Indians is obese, with significant variation across states, gender and rural-urban areas.
5. Why is childhood obesity rising in India?
Increased junk food consumption, reduced physical activity and lifestyle changes have led to a rapid rise in childhood obesity.
6. What economic impact does obesity have on India?
Obesity costs India $28.95 billion annually, projected to rise to ₹4,700 per capita by 2030.
7. What steps is the government taking to tackle obesity?
Initiatives include Fit India Movement, NPCDCS, FSSAI food regulations and school-based nutrition programs.
8. What policy changes are needed to control obesity?
Stronger taxation on junk food, better urban planning for active lifestyles and stricter food labeling regulations are required.
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