The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) shows rising obesity rates among Indian adults, especially in urban areas, with childhood obesity increasing. AIG Hospitals’ study highlights obesity concerns among Hyderabad’s IT professionals and schoolchildren
Published Mar 10, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 10, 2025 | 7:00 AM
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Synopsis: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed India’s growing obesity crisis, citing projections of 440 million obese people by 2050. In his “Mann Ki Baat” speech, he emphasised reducing edible oil consumption and incorporating regular exercise. Experts stress that combating obesity requires systemic changes in food policy, urban planning, and healthcare access. Obesity rates are rising, particularly in urban areas and among children
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently been vocal about the need to control obesity in India, a growing public health concern. While his remarks are timely and highlight an issue that often takes a backseat to undernutrition in policy discussions, experts say that addressing obesity requires more than just awareness–it demands systemic changes in food policy, urban planning and even healthcare access.
In the 119th episode of “Mann Ki Baat,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the escalating obesity rates in India. He referenced a study projecting that by 2050, approximately 440 million Indians could be obese, equating to one in every three individuals.
To address this pressing issue, the Prime Minister advocated for collective action and lifestyle modifications. He specifically urged citizens to reduce their edible oil consumption by 10 percent and incorporate regular physical activities, such as cycling, into their routines.
Emphasising community involvement, Modi nominated prominent personalities to lead awareness campaigns against obesity. He encouraged these individuals to further nominate ten others, aiming to amplify the movement’s reach and impact.
Interestingly, even on Friday, 7 March, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public gathering in Silvassa, the administrative headquarters of Dadra and Nagar Haveli where he highlighted the escalating issue of lifestyle diseases, particularly obesity. He even recommended reducing their monthly cooking oil usage by 10 percent, emphasising that such a reduction could lead to substantial health benefits over time. He also, stressed the importance of regular exercise, such as walking a few kilometres daily, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent obesity-related ailments.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), obesity among Indian adults has risen significantly, with urban areas being particularly affected. Childhood obesity is also on the rise, leading to long-term risks of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Meanwhile a recent study by AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad has revealed that 80 percent of IT professionals in Hyderabad’s Hitech City are overweight, highlighting a growing health crisis among tech workers. Additionally, the study found that 40 percent of children in government schools in Hyderabad were diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition closely linked to obesity.
Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “Obesity is no longer just a Western issue—it is a pressing concern in India. If we don’t address it now, it will severely strain our healthcare system,”
Experts working in the area of tackling obesity told South First, to deal with lifestyle diseases, especially obesity, requires more than just raising awareness; it demands concrete policy actions across multiple sectors. They opine that the government must focus on regulating the food industry, ensuring healthier options are affordable, improving nutrition in schools and workplaces, expanding fitness infrastructure, and making medical interventions for obesity more accessible. Without these systemic changes, efforts to control obesity will remain superficial. Here’s what needs to be done:
One of the biggest drivers of obesity is the easy availability of ultra-processed foods, high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. While countries like Chile and Mexico have imposed strict front-of-pack warning labels and sugar taxes, India’s food industry remains largely unregulated.
Speaking to South First, Dr Arun Gupta,a pediatrician, public health expert and convenor of the Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi) says, “while awareness is crucial, we need systemic changes in food regulation, urban planning, and public health policies to make real progress.”
Experts argue that in India, unhealthy diets are largely defined by the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), commonly known as ‘junk food.’ These foods—high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt—replace traditional, nutrient-rich diets, leading to overeating and weight gain.
Dr Arun says, “cutting back on industrially processed foods high in fats sugars, and salt can be very helpful in reducing obesity.”
Healthy eating is often perceived as expensive. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and millets, despite government promotions, are costlier than packaged junk food.While it is important that traditional and whole foods need to be promoted, a senior public health expert said, if we are serious about controlling obesity, subsidies on healthier foods and disincentives on unhealthy options are essential.
Mid-day meal schemes and corporate wellness programs can play a significant role in obesity prevention. However, many school meals still lack adequate nutrition, and corporate spaces encourage sedentary lifestyles. “Incentivising companies to provide healthier meals and mandatory breaks for physical activity could be a game changer,” suggests nutritionist Reema Mahesh from Bengaluru.
Dr Arun says limiting refined sugars, carbs and unhealthy fats in diet is important. He says, “avoiding commercial baby foods for young infants and declaring schools and other public spaces as “UPF/HFSS Free Zones” will help to address obesity during infancy and childhood.
Urban planning in India has traditionally focused on motorised transport, leaving little room for pedestrian-friendly spaces or cycling tracks. “Obesity control is not just about diet—it’s also about movement. We need more parks, better footpaths, and cycling lanes,” says Dr Manohar K, endocrinologist.
Meanwhile Dr Arun says, “physical activity has to be encouraged. One must avoid sedentary lifestyles and promote regular walking, cycling and exercise,”
Experts also suggest that conducting large-scale awareness programs and integrating nutrition education into school curriculum can highlight the importance of balanced eating, the risks of unhealthy diets, and the benefits of an active lifestyle.
While awareness is crucial, obesity is a medical condition requiring professional intervention. Currently, access to obesity treatment, including medical counselling, nutritionists, and bariatric surgery, is limited to urban elites.
Speaking to South First, a renowned epidemiologist and public health expert on condition of anonymity said, “we need comprehensive changes in nutrition policies of promoting local, traditional foods with nutrient value and deglamourise fast food, offer prevention and treatment of obesity (with newer drugs) to prevent onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus complications, promote physical activity (green space, more play grounds, walkable roads, gyms at workplaces etc) and health savings account for those who want to take preventive steps.”
“A well-coordinated effort involving policies, regulations, and public education can turn the tide against obesity,” said the doctor.
