A recent study has revealed a concerning trend in India, indicating that in nearly one out of every five households, all adults are classified as either overweight or obese. This finding highlights a significant public health challenge, emphasizing the need for family-centered interventions to address the growing prevalence of weight-related issues.

The study, conducted by researchers from the ICMR-National Institute for Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), TERI School of Advanced Studies, and Symbiosis International, analyzed data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21). The researchers assessed the prevalence of overweight and obesity in over 6 lakh households, discovering that approximately 20% of these households had all adult members classified as overweight, while 10% had all adults classified as obese.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an adult is considered overweight if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2, and obese if their BMI is 30.0 kg/m2 or greater. BMI is a widely used measure to assess whether a person's weight is healthy for their height.

The study also revealed geographical disparities in the prevalence of overweight adults. States like Manipur, Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim showed particularly high rates, with over 30% of households having all adults classified as overweight. Furthermore, Tamil Nadu and Punjab had a significant proportion of households, with two out of five having all adults classified as obese. The study also found that the proportion of households with all obese members was nearly twice as high in urban areas compared to rural regions, highlighting the influence of urban lifestyles on weight.

The lead researcher from ICMR-NICPR, Prashant Kumar Singh, emphasized the significance of family influence on weight-related issues, noting that families are "gaining weight together." He explained that when one family member is overweight or obese, others are significantly more likely to be as well. This clustering pattern underscores the urgent need for family-centered approaches to obesity prevention rather than individual-focused interventions.

Shalini Singh, Director of ICMR-NICPR, highlighted the paradigm shift in understanding obesity, stating that the household clustering of obesity and overweight indicates that the family unit is the epicenter of this health issue. These findings suggest that interventions targeting entire families may be more effective in addressing the root causes of weight problems and promoting healthier lifestyles.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that India is facing a significant obesity crisis. A Lancet study revealed that 70% of India's urban population is classified as obese or overweight, placing the country among the top three most obese nations globally, alongside the US and China. The study also noted that approximately 8 crore individuals in India are classified as obese, with a striking one crore falling within the age group of 5 to 19 years. The rise in obesity has also led to an increase in weight-loss surgeries, reaching 20,000 in 2019.

Several factors contribute to the rising rates of overweight and obesity in India. These include changing lifestyles, increased consumption of processed foods, and a lack of physical activity. As India continues to develop economically, more people are adopting sedentary lifestyles and consuming calorie-dense foods, leading to weight gain.

The consequences of overweight and obesity are far-reaching, increasing the risk of various health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and osteoarthritis. Moreover, obesity can also lead to social and economic disadvantages, affecting employment opportunities and overall quality of life.

Addressing the issue of overweight and obesity in India requires a multi-faceted approach. Public health initiatives should focus on promoting healthy diets, encouraging physical activity, and raising awareness about the risks associated with excess weight. Family-centered interventions, as highlighted by the recent study, can play a crucial role in fostering healthy habits within households. Additionally, policies aimed at regulating the availability and marketing of unhealthy foods can help create a healthier food environment.