Sharp Rise in Obesity, High Blood Sugar (BP) Levels Among Indian Adults: Survey

India is seeing sharp growth in obesity and high blood sugar among adults, new NFHS-6 data shows. The latest National Family Health Survey for 2023-24 points to rising lifestyle-related diseases, adding pressure on the country’s already stretched public health system.

The report records more adults classified as overweight or obese compared with NFHS-5, done in 2019-21. Among women aged 15-49 years, obesity or overweight rose from 24 per cent to 30.7 per cent. For men in the same age group, the share increased from 22.9 per cent to 27.3 per cent.

State patterns in obesity and high blood sugar across India

The NFHS-6 highlights wide state-level variation in obesity and high blood sugar. Women aged 15-49 years in Puducherry showed the highest obesity or overweight prevalence at 46.3 per cent. Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also reported levels above 38 per cent among women.

At the other end, states such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Assam registered comparatively lower obesity levels among women in the same age bracket. Despite regional differences, the overall national trend still points towards a steady climb in lifestyle-linked health risks.

For men aged 15-49 years, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands reported the highest share of overweight or obesity, at around 38 per cent. Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Goa each recorded obesity prevalence above one-third of men, underscoring a broad urban and coastal pattern.

Health impact of obesity and high blood sugar in NFHS-6

NFHS-6 also reports a strong jump in high blood sugar, another warning sign. Among women aged 15 years and above, the share with high or very high blood sugar, or on diabetes medicines, increased from 13.5 per cent to 17.8 per cent between the two surveys.

For men aged 15 years and above, the comparable proportion with high or very high blood sugar, or using medication, rose from 15.6 per cent in NFHS-5 to 20.9 per cent in NFHS-6. Obesity and high blood sugar together raise the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The health ministry linked these trends to wider non-communicable disease risks. "The emerging challenges such as rising non-communicable diseases, lifestyle-related risks and the dual burden of undernutrition and rising overweight/obesity among adults highlight the need for continued focus on preventive healthcare, behavioural change and balanced nutrition strategies, " the health ministry pointed out.

NFHS-6, carried out during 2023-24, surveyed more than 7.1 lakh women and over one lakh men nationwide. The large sample offers a detailed picture of obesity and high blood sugar patterns, underlining the need for long-term policies on nutrition, physical activity and preventive care in India.