Image Source: The Tribune
India is facing an alarming surge in obesity rates among children, adolescents, and adults, according to the latest report by UNICEF. For the first time in history, obesity has surpassed underweight as the most common form of malnutrition among school-aged children worldwide, with India witnessing a striking escalation across all demographics. Experts warn that this growing epidemic, driven by lifestyle changes and dietary shifts, poses a serious public health challenge for the country’s future.
Key Highlights: Stark Statistics and Trends
Between 2005-06 and 2019-21, overweight and obesity among children under five in India more than doubled from 1.5 percent to 3.4 percent—a rise of 127 percent.
Among adolescents, overweight and obesity prevalence increased by 125 percent in girls (from 2.4 to 5.4 percent) and surged 288 percent in boys (1.7 to 6.6 percent).
Adults are similarly affected, with obesity almost doubling in women (12.6 to 24 percent) and more than doubling in men (9.3 to 22.9 percent) during the same period.
Projections indicate that by 2030, India will have over 27 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 living with obesity, accounting for nearly 11 percent of the global burden.
Drivers Behind the Rise: Lifestyle and Eating Habits
UNICEF experts attribute the sharp increase to multiple factors including a sedentary lifestyle marked by increased screen time and reduced physical activity.
The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs)—highly marketed sugary snacks, fast food, and sugar-sweetened beverages—is rising rapidly, reshaping dietary patterns nationwide.
India’s market for UPFs exploded from $900 million in 2006 to nearly $38 billion in 2019, fueled by aggressive advertising across social media platforms targeting children and adolescents.
Traditional diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are increasingly supplanted by energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods contributing to poor health outcomes.
Health and Economic Implications
The rise in obesity is closely linked to an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and hypertension, even in younger populations.
Childhood obesity often persists into adulthood, making early intervention critical to prevent lifelong health complications.
The economic cost is staggering; obesity-related healthcare costs in India were estimated at $29 billion in 2019 and could escalate to $839 billion by 2060 if unchecked, representing a massive burden on the healthcare system and economy.
The Triple Burden of Malnutrition
India now faces a “triple burden” involving the coexistence of stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising obesity, often within the same communities or even individuals.
Cultural factors such as unequal food distribution in households, where women and girls eat last and least, exacerbate undernutrition even as obesity rises.
This paradox underscores the complexity of malnutrition challenges across socioeconomic levels in India.
Calls for Action: Policy and Community Strategies
UNICEF and health experts advocate for stringent policies including mandatory food labeling, restricting junk food marketing to children, and taxing unhealthy foods.
Programs like Fit India Movement, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and Eat Right India campaigns are highlighted as pivotal initiatives needing expansion and enforcement.
Nutrition education, behavioural change initiatives, and creating healthier school food environments are essential for empowering families and communities.
Experts urge banning the sale and advertising of ultra-processed foods in schools and promoting traditional, wholesome dietary habits.
Conclusion
The sharp rise of obesity across all age groups in India signals an urgent public health crisis demanding coordinated efforts between policymakers, communities, businesses, and families. By addressing dietary environments, lifestyle factors, and systemic inequities, India has an opportunity to curb this epidemic and safeguard the health of future generations.
Sources: Tribune India, Economic Times Health, UNICEF Child Nutrition Global Report 2025
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