One in Four Indian Adults Now Obese, New Report Warns

Nearly one in every four Indian adults is obese, marking a worrying rise in weight-related health risks across the country, according to a new report launched by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change on Tuesday. The study highlights that India is at a critical juncture, with obesity-driven diseases increasing sharply in both urban and rural regions.

Citing national data, the report points to significant regional disparities. As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019–21, Delhi records 41% of women as obese, compared to just 12% in Meghalaya. Childhood obesity shows similar trends, with 22.8% of children aged 6–16 in Delhi classified as obese, against 13.6% in Maharashtra.

The report, titled “Building on Success to Secure India’s Future Health”, notes that 24% of Indian women and 23% of men are now overweight or obese—nearly five times higher than three decades ago. The burden is markedly heavier in urban centres, with lifestyle changes, dietary patterns, and reduced physical activity cited as likely contributors.

Health experts emphasise that urgent policy intervention, improved public awareness, and stronger preventive healthcare systems are crucial to contain the growing obesity epidemic and safeguard India’s future health outlook.