Health
The number of obese children is projected to rise from 3.3 crore in 2020 to 8.3 crore by 2035, more than doubling in 15 years, according to the recently released Economic Survey 2025-26.
Health
The projection comes as the survey revealed that “the prevalence of excess weight among children under five has risen from 2.1 percent in 2015-16 to 3.4 percent in 2019-21,” coinciding with a sharp rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) sales across India.
Health
The projection of 8.3 crore obese children by 2035 points to an entire generation at risk of chronic diseases from an early age.
Health
The survey cited global research linking ultra-processed foods to adverse health outcomes.
Health
The survey placed strong emphasis on schools as key sites in the fight against childhood obesity.