The survey revealed that 30.7 per cent of women aged 15-49 years were classified as overweight or obese in 2023-24, a significant increase from 24 per cent recorded during NFHS-5, which was conducted between 2019 and 2021. Among men in the same age group, the prevalence of overweight or obesity rose from 22.9 per cent to 27.3 per cent over the same period.
The findings also pointed to a substantial increase in elevated blood sugar levels among the population. Among women aged 15 years and above, the proportion reporting 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 corresponding figure rose from 15.6 per cent to 20.9 per cent.
Among women aged 15-49 years, Puducherry recorded the highest prevalence of overweight or obesity at 46.3 per cent. It was followed by Chandigarh at 44 per cent, Delhi at 41.4 per cent, Punjab at 40.8 per cent, Tamil Nadu at 40.5 per cent and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 38.1 per cent. In contrast, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Assam reported comparatively lower levels of obesity among women.
Among men aged 15-49 years, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands registered the highest prevalence of overweight or obesity at approximately 38 per cent. Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Goa followed closely, with each reporting obesity prevalence exceeding one-third of the male population in the age group.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted the growing concern over non-communicable diseases and lifestyle-related health risks. The ministry stated that emerging challenges, including the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, lifestyle-related risks and the dual burden of undernutrition alongside rising overweight and obesity among adults, underscore the need for sustained focus on preventive healthcare, behavioural change and balanced nutrition strategies.
The increase in obesity levels has coincided with the growing prevalence of elevated blood sugar, both of which are major risk factors for serious health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
The NFHS-6 survey, conducted during 2023-24, covered more than 7.1 lakh women and over one lakh men across the country, providing one of the most comprehensive assessments of India's public health landscape.
The latest findings underscore a critical public health challenge for India, with rising obesity and blood sugar levels signalling an urgent need for stronger preventive measures, healthier lifestyles and long-term strategies to curb the growing burden of non-communicable diseases nationwide.
About The Author
Comment List