Hypertension In India: The latest data from NFHS-6, 2023-24, shows that two opposing nutrition-related problems coexist in the country. In many states, people are grappling with overweight and obesity.

Obesity and diabetes cases are rising rapidly in India.

Obesity and Diabetes Rising Across India: India is currently facing a health crisis, with obesity and diabetes on the rise, while malnutrition remains a significant challenge. The latest data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24 reveals that two opposing nutrition-related problems coexist in the country. In many states, people struggle with being overweight and obese, while a significant portion of the population remains malnourished.

The rise in obesity

According to the survey, 30.7 percent of women and 27.3 percent of men aged 15 to 49 are now overweight or obese. This increase is significantly faster than in NFHS-5. The situation is particularly severe in urban areas, where approximately 43 percent of women and 36.3 percent of men are overweight or obese.

The problem of malnutrition also increased.

On the other hand, the problem of malnutrition appears to be increasing rather than decreasing. According to the report, nearly one in five adults in the country still falls into the underweight category. The underweight rate among men has increased from 16.2 percent to 19.7 percent, while among women it has increased from 18.7 percent to 19.7 percent. This situation indicates that nutritional inequalities persist.

Diabetes cases also increased.

NFHS-6 has also raised concerns about diabetes. 17.8 percent of women over the age of 15 had higher-than-normal blood sugar levels or were taking diabetes medication. Among men, this figure was 20.9 percent, meaning one in five men is dependent on diabetes-related medication. This number has increased significantly compared to the previous survey. The report revealed a more worrying situation in several states. A significant increase in obesity cases has been reported in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh showed a growing problem of malnutrition. Uttar Pradesh also reported an increase in cases of obesity, malnutrition, and diabetes.

What is the situation in Uttar Pradesh?

The rate of diabetes in the state is increasing at a rate much faster than the national average. The situation is such that now almost one in five men and one in six women in the state are affected by diabetes. According to the survey, the rate of diabetes among women nationwide has been recorded at 4.3 percent, but in Uttar Pradesh this figure has reached 5.5 percent. The situation is also worrying among men. While the national rate of increase is 5.3 percent, in Uttar Pradesh it has been recorded at nearly 8 percent.

Decline in cases of high blood pressure

There has certainly been some relief in the case of high blood pressure. The rate of high blood pressure has declined slightly among both men and women, but despite this, nearly one in five adults in the country still suffers from high blood pressure. Experts say it remains a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and serious kidney disease.