Obesity Isn’t Just a Health Concern—It’s an Economic Burden
Obesity in India is no longer just a personal health issue; it’s also a financial strain on the economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted India’s rising obesity rates in his Mann Ki Baat address, underscoring its far-reaching impact beyond public health.
According to the Global Obesity Observatory, obesity cost India approximately $28.95 billion (Rs 2.4 lakh crore) in 2019, accounting for 1.02% of the GDP. This burden is expected to surge to $81.53 billion (Rs 6.7 lakh crore) by 2030, reaching 1.57% of the GDP. If left unchecked, the economic toll of obesity could escalate to $838.6 billion (Rs 69.6 lakh crore) by 2060, consuming 2.5% of the GDP and resulting in a per capita economic drain of Rs 44,200.
Rising Obesity Rates Among Indians
Data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) shows a worrying trend. The weighted prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased significantly:
- Men: 37.7% (previous cycle) → 44% (current cycle)
- Women: 36% (previous cycle) → 41% (current cycle)
This sharp rise suggests that obesity is becoming a widespread issue, demanding immediate intervention.
Obesity’s True Economic Cost Is Even Higher
As reported by economictimes, experts believe the actual economic burden of obesity extends beyond direct medical expenses. Avula Lakshmaiah, a retired scientist from the National Institute of Nutrition, argues that these estimates overlook critical factors such as loss of livelihood, opportunity costs, and the emotional toll due to lack of societal support. As obesity-related health issues increase, they place immense pressure on both the public health system and economic productivity.
India Lacks a Unified Strategy to Tackle Obesity
While India has implemented several nutrition-focused initiatives, the country does not have a comprehensive national strategy to address the obesity crisis, particularly among children. The Global Obesity Observatory has proposed a checklist of policy measures to help nations monitor and combat obesity effectively. However, India still needs a well-structured, large-scale plan to curb this growing epidemic.
Physical Inactivity: A Major Contributor to Obesity
A sedentary lifestyle is a leading factor behind the rising obesity rates in India. According to the Global Obesity Observatory’s 2022 report:
- 50% of Indian adults do not engage in adequate physical activity.
- 60% of women fail to meet recommended activity levels.
Coupled with poor dietary habits, this lack of physical activity is significantly fueling obesity levels. Experts warn that unless urgent action is taken to promote active lifestyles and healthier eating habits, India will continue to witness a surge in obesity-related diseases and economic losses.
The Way Forward: Urgent Policy and Lifestyle Changes Needed
Addressing obesity requires a multi-pronged approach involving government policies, community programs, and individual efforts. India must develop a national strategy that includes:
- Public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks of obesity.
- Stronger regulations on unhealthy food marketing, especially to children.
- Encouraging active lifestyles through infrastructure and workplace policies.
- Integrating obesity prevention into national health initiatives.
Without immediate action, obesity will not only deteriorate public health but also create an unsustainable economic crisis. It’s time for India to take decisive steps to combat this growing epidemic.