Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 1: India has recorded a significant increase in obesity and elevated blood sugar levels among adults, according to findings from the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), highlighting a growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases across the country.

The survey revealed that 30.7 per cent of women aged 15-49 years were overweight or obese in 2023-24, up from 24 per cent in NFHS-5 conducted during 2019-21. Among men in the same age group, the proportion rose from 22.9 per cent to 27.3 per cent.

The findings also pointed to a substantial increase in elevated blood sugar levels. Among women aged 15 years and above, the proportion with high or very high blood sugar levels, or those taking medication to control blood sugar, increased from 13.5 per cent in NFHS-5 to 17.8 per cent in NFHS-6. For men, the figure rose from 15.6 per cent to 20.9 per cent.

Among women aged 15-49 years, the highest prevalence of overweight or obesity was reported in the Union Territory of Puducherry at 46.3 per cent, followed by Chandigarh (44 per cent), Delhi (41.4 per cent), Punjab (40.8 per cent), Tamil Nadu (40.5 per cent) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (38.1 per cent).

In contrast, states such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Assam recorded comparatively lower obesity prevalence among women.

Among men aged 15-49 years, the highest prevalence of overweight or obesity was reported in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at nearly 38 per cent, followed by Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Goa, all of which reported obesity prevalence exceeding one-third of the male population.

The Health Ministry noted that rising non-communicable diseases, lifestyle-related health risks, and the dual burden of undernutrition and increasing obesity present major public health challenges.

“The emerging challenges such as rising non-communicable diseases, lifestyle-related risks and the dual burden of undernutrition and rising overweight/obesity among adults highlight the need for continued focus on preventive healthcare, behavioural change and balanced nutrition strategies,” the ministry stated.

Health experts have warned that increasing obesity and elevated blood sugar levels are major risk factors for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

NFHS-6, conducted during 2023-24, surveyed more than 7.1 lakh women and over one lakh men across the country, providing one of the most comprehensive assessments of India's health and nutrition indicators.