India is facing a growing obesity crisis that could have severe public health consequences if not addressed promptly, according to health experts. The rising rates of obesity are not limited to urban areas or high-income groups but are increasingly prevalent in rural regions, among adolescents, and across various demographics. Experts warn that India risks becoming the epicenter of a global obesity and non-communicable disease crisis if immediate action is not taken.
Recent data paints a concerning picture of the escalating obesity rates in India. A study published in The Lancet projects that nearly one-third of Indians, approximately 449 million people, could be obese by 2050. This includes an estimated 218 million men and 231 million women. The World Obesity Federation states that India already has the third-highest percentage of obese individuals globally. More than 80 million people in India are currently classified as obese, which is roughly 17% of the population. This includes 10 million youths aged 5 to 19, according to research by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration.
The rise in obesity is closely linked to a surge in chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, fatty liver disease, hormonal disorders, infertility, and certain cancers. India already holds the global record for the highest number of people living with diabetes, estimated at over 101 million. These conditions are increasingly being diagnosed at younger ages, with an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases among individuals in their 20s and 30s, the most productive age group. This trend is largely driven by excess body weight, placing an unmanageable burden on the country's healthcare infrastructure and economic productivity.
Several factors contribute to the increasing obesity rates in India. These include changing lifestyles, increased consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks, reduced physical activity, and genetic predisposition. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem due to lockdowns and mobility restrictions, leading to more sedentary lifestyles and limited access to healthy food options.
The consequences of unchecked obesity rates are far-reaching. They include a shorter lifespan for future generations, significant loss of workforce productivity, and unsustainable pressure on the nation's health system. Furthermore, obesity in women is linked to a wide range of health complications, including irregular periods and infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy, higher risk of miscarriages and stillbirths, urinary incontinence and uterine fibroids, and increased risk of C-sections and birth complications.
To address this growing crisis, health experts are urging immediate and coordinated action to treat obesity as a systemic public health challenge. Prevention efforts must begin at the institutional level, including changes to school and hospital canteens, medical education, and risk screening protocols. Public awareness campaigns are also essential to promote healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. Additionally, policies that support access to affordable and nutritious food options are needed to create a healthier environment for all Indians.
