Obesity In India: A Growing Public Health Challenge

Obesity has emerged as an important public health challenge in India alongside the continuing burden of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Rapid urbanization, changing food environments, increased consumption of energy-dense and ultra-processed foods, sedentary behaviour, reduced physical activity, sleep disturbances, psychosocial factors and socioeconomic transitions have contributed to increasing levels of excess adiposity. The Indian context is particularly important because cardiometabolic complications can occur at lower body mass index (BMI) than in many Western populations, making assessment of central adiposity and population-specific cut-offs highly relevant. This review summarizes the current understanding of obesity in India, including its epidemiology, determinants, health consequences, vulnerable populations, socioeconomic implications, prevention strategies and approaches to clinical management. Evidence from national surveys, Indian nutrition guidance and international public-health sources indicates that obesity affects both urban and rural populations and increasingly involves children and adolescents. Obesity is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, musculoskeletal disorders and several cancers. Effective responses require coordinated action across individuals, families, schools, workplaces, communities, health services, food systems and government policy. The 2024 ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians emphasize dietary quality, limiting foods high in sugar, salt and fat, increasing vegetables, whole grains and pulses, and maintaining regular physical activity. A comprehensive Indian strategy should combine prevention with early detection, culturally appropriate lifestyle interventions and evidence-based medical management for people at higher risk