Based on the growing obesity problem, also reflected in the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, experts are warning about a health emergency. As per the NFHS-5, almost 235 men and 24% of women were found to have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or above, a number that is 4% higher than both genders over 2015-2016. The data also reports that 3.4% of children under five are overweight compared with 2.1% in 2015-2016. 

Dr. Ravindra Kumeran, founder of the Obesity Foundation of India puts the fault on sedentary lifestyles and easy access to cheap, fattening foods for the rising obesity, especially in urban India. Indians are also prone to developing “central obesity,” which is considered to be unhealthier than gaining weight anywhere else on the body. 

The World Health Organization has said that too much body fat substantially raises the risk of non-communicable diseases, including 13 types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and lung conditions. In 2021, obesity was responsible for 2.8 million deaths across the globe. It is the need of the hour to address this problem urgently before it becomes a pandemic. 

[Source link: NFHS-5: Indians are getting fatter - and its a big problem - BBC News]