Key Findings from NFHS (2019-21)
- About 25% of men and women in India were overweight or obese, marking a 4 percentage point increase from 2015-16.
- Obesity is more prevalent among women in South Indian states, Delhi, and Punjab.
- The rate of increase in obesity among men was higher than that among women.
- The proportion of thin individuals (BMI below 18.4) declined significantly in both genders.
Relevance : GS 2(Health)
BMI Trends and Gender-Wise Changes
- BMI Increase (2015-16 to 2019-21):
- Men: Increased by 0.6 points (from 21.8 to 22.4).
- Women: Increased by 0.5 points (from 21.9 to 22.4).
- Overweight & Obesity:
- Overweight women: Increased from 15.5% to 17.6%.
- Overweight men: Increased from 15.9% to 18.9%.
- Obese women: Increased from 5.1% to 6.4%.
- Obese men: Increased from 3% to 4%.
- Thinness Decline:
- Mildly thin women: Dropped from 13.3% to 11%.
- Mildly thin men: Dropped from 12.2% to 9.6%.
- Moderately/severely thin women: Dropped from 9.6% to 7.7%.
- Moderately/severely thin men: Dropped from 8% to 6.6%.
Regional Trends
- Women’s obesity rates were highest in Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.
- Men’s obesity rates were also highest in Delhi and South Indian states.
Dietary Patterns Linked to Obesity
- Over 40% of men and women consume fried foods regularly.
- Aerated drinks consumption:
- 16% of women
- 25% of men
Government Awareness & Call for Action
- PM Modi, in Mann Ki Baat, warned against rising obesity, particularly among children.
- Recommended reducing oil consumption by 10% per month for a healthier lifestyle.
