A recent study has brought to light a concerning trend in India, revealing that a significant proportion of households have a high prevalence of overweight or obese adults. The study indicates that nearly 20% of Indian households have all adult members classified as overweight, while 10% of households have all adults classified as obese. This clustering of weight issues within families underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and a shift towards family-centered approaches to combat obesity.
The research, conducted by researchers from ICMR-National Institute for Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), TERI School of Advanced Studies and Symbiosis International, analyzed data from the fifth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21), encompassing over 6 lakh households. Overweight is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2, while obesity is defined as a BMI of 30.0 kg/m2 or greater.
The study highlights geographical variations in the prevalence of overweight adults. States like Manipur, Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim exhibit particularly high rates, with over 30% of households having all adults classified as overweight. Tamil Nadu and Punjab also show elevated rates, with two out of five households having all adults classified as obese. Moreover, the study reveals a disparity between urban and rural areas, with urban areas showing a higher proportion of households with all obese members compared to rural regions.
The lead researcher from ICMR-NICPR, Prashant Kumar Singh, emphasized that families are "gaining weight together," indicating that when one family member is overweight or obese, others are significantly more likely to be as well. This clustering pattern underscores the importance of addressing obesity at the family level, rather than focusing solely on individual interventions. Family-centered approaches can promote healthier lifestyles and create a supportive environment for weight management.
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in India is a major public health concern due to its association with a higher risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving promoting healthy diets, encouraging regular physical activity, and creating awareness about the risks associated with excess weight. Public health initiatives should target families and communities to foster a culture of healthy living.
This study reinforces the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the growing obesity epidemic in India. By focusing on family-centered interventions and addressing the underlying factors contributing to weight gain, it is possible to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the burden of obesity-related diseases.
