The Economic Survey 2025 has flagged a sharp rise in lifestyle diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes, and obesity in India, even as communicable diseases like tuberculosis and vector-borne infections continue to persist. Together, these trends underline the growing complexity of India’s public health landscape.
India at a Critical Epidemiological Transition
The Survey noted that India is passing through a critical and complex stage of epidemiological transition. While the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continues to rise, communicable diseases (CDs) remain a significant concern. Moreover, this dual disease burden is further compounded by wide regional and socioeconomic disparities.
According to the document tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, non-communicable diseases now account for more than 57 per cent of all deaths in the country.
Cardiovascular Diseases Lead Mortality Trends
Cardiovascular diseases have emerged as the leading cause of death among both men and women. The Survey highlighted that men have consistently shown higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates across all years since 2004–06.
However, the report also cautioned that women may experience worse outcomes after acute cardiovascular events. Delayed diagnosis and under-treatment often contribute to higher case fatality rates among women, despite their lower overall mortality.
Obesity Emerges as a Major Public Health Challenge
Alongside cardiovascular risks, the Survey identified obesity as a rapidly escalating public health issue. Unhealthy diets, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors have all contributed to this trend.
Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019–21 shows that 24 per cent of Indian women and 23 per cent of Indian men are either overweight or obese. Among individuals aged 15–49 years, obesity affects 6.4 per cent of women and 4.0 per cent of men.
More concerning, however, is the rise in childhood obesity. The prevalence of excess weight among children under five increased from 2.1 per cent in 2015–16 to 3.4 per cent in 2019–21.
Childhood Obesity on a Steep Rise
According to estimates cited in the Survey, more than 33 million children in India were obese in 2020. Alarmingly, this number is projected to reach 83 million by 2035 if current trends continue.
Ultra-Processed Foods Drive Obesity Growth
As reported by Business Standard, the Survey attributed much of the rising obesity burden to increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for UPFs globally.
Retail sales of UPFs surged from $0.9 billion in 2006 to nearly $38 billion in 2019—a nearly 40-fold increase. Notably, obesity rates among both men and women almost doubled during the same period.
Policy Push for Stronger Regulation of UPFs
To address this growing threat, the Economic Survey recommended introducing clear warning labels on UPF packages and on foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), particularly those targeted at infants and toddlers, which currently fall outside regulatory coverage.
In addition, the Survey proposed banning nutrient and health claims on UPF packaging to prevent misleading “health halo” effects that may influence consumer choices.
Exploring Marketing Restrictions and Global Examples
Drawing on global best practices, including Chile’s regulatory model, the Survey explored the option of imposing a marketing ban on UPFs between 6 am and 11 pm across all media platforms. It also recommended stricter enforcement of existing restrictions on marketing infant and toddler milk products and beverages.
“There is a growing body of evidence on the adverse impact of UPFs on human health, indicating that there should be no delay in implementing public health policies while further research continues,” the Survey stated.
Beyond Consumer Choice: Reforming Food Systems
While policies often focus on reducing consumption of HFSS foods, the Survey stressed that improving dietary patterns cannot rely solely on individual behaviour change. Instead, it called for coordinated interventions across the food system.
Such policies should regulate UPF production, promote healthier and more sustainable diets, and ensure responsible marketing practices.
Role of FSSAI in Strengthening Regulation
Finally, the Survey suggested that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) should bring ultra-processed foods under a clear regulatory framework. This would include defining UPFs, setting standards, and enforcing stricter labelling requirements.
Rather than replacing existing HFSS regulations, the Survey recommended integrating UPFs into current frameworks to create a more comprehensive and effective regulatory approach.
A Call for Urgent, Coordinated Action
Overall, the Economic Survey 2025 underscored the urgent need for decisive policy action to address India’s rising burden of lifestyle diseases. By tackling dietary risks, regulating ultra-processed foods, and strengthening health systems, the Survey argued that India can better navigate its epidemiological transition and protect long-term population health.