The Rising Obesity Crisis in India: Impact on Health and Economy

India’S obesity crisis AND ITS economic impact

India is facing a serious obesity challenge, flagged by UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Global Report 2025. The country has now shifted from undernutrition concerns to rising obesity, especially among children and adolescents. This carries grave health and economic costs for individuals and the nation.

Rising Burden

Scale of the Problem

• In 2019, obesity-related costs were nearly $29 billion or 1% of GDP.
• By 2060, these costs may rise to $839 billion (2.5% of GDP) if unchecked.
• Unhealthy diets now contribute to 56% of India’s disease burden.

Children and Adolescents

NFHS data (2005–06 to 2019–21):

• Overweight/obese under-5 children ↑ by 127% (1.5% → 3.4%).
• Adolescent obesity ↑ by 125% in girls (2.4% → 5.4%).
• Boys’ obesity ↑ by 288% (1.7% → 6.6%).

Economic Consequences

• Healthcare Costs: Obesity will fuel higher treatment expenses and raise out-of-pocket expenditure for households.
• Insurance Costs: Insurers will include obesity-linked risks in premium models, burdening families further.
• Productivity Loss: Rising obesity can reduce workforce efficiency and increase absenteeism.

Causes

• Sedentary lifestyles: reduced walking, playing, and physical activity.
• Increased intake of calorie-dense processed foods.
• High consumption of cooking oils and sugary items.

Possible Solutions

• Promoting healthy lifestyles through exercise, yoga, and sports.
• Public awareness on balanced diets and reduced oil/sugar intake.
• Integrating obesity prevention in school health programmes.
• Strengthening preventive healthcare policies.

FAQs

1. Why is obesity considered a national crisis in India?

Because it is shifting the disease profile of the country, raising healthcare costs, and threatening long-term economic growth.

2. What age groups are most affected?

Both children under 5 and adolescents are seeing sharp increases in obesity levels.

3. How does obesity impact the economy?

It increases healthcare spending, reduces productivity, and raises insurance premiums, affecting both individuals and the state.

4. What role does diet play in obesity?

Unhealthy diets are now the leading contributor to India’s disease burden, accounting for more than half of it.

5. What preventive steps are suggested?

Adopting exercise, yoga, healthy diets, and reducing oil consumption are key measures.