India is facing a rapidly escalating obesity epidemic that threatens to significantly increase the burden of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This consensus paper highlights that obesity prevalence has risen steadily across both urban and rural populations, driven by rapid urbanization, changing dietary patterns, reduced physical activity, and socioeconomic transitions. The authors argue that obesity should no longer be viewed simply as a lifestyle issue but as a major public health challenge requiring coordinated national action.

A key message of the paper is the need to reframe obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease rather than a consequence of personal choices alone. Obesity results from complex interactions among biological, genetic, environmental, social, and behavioral factors. Recognizing obesity as a disease can help reduce stigma, improve access to treatment, and encourage long-term management approaches similar to those used for other chronic conditions.

Despite the growing burden, India faces a substantial obesity care gap. Many individuals remain undiagnosed or untreated, and obesity management is often limited to advice on diet and exercise. Access to multidisciplinary care, evidence-based pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery remains inconsistent, while awareness among both healthcare providers and patients remains suboptimal. As a result, opportunities for early intervention are frequently missed.

The paper emphasizes that policy reform is essential to address obesity at the population level. The authors advocate for stronger public health measures, including improved food labeling, regulation of unhealthy food marketing, promotion of healthier food environments, and policies that encourage physical activity. Such interventions are necessary to tackle the environmental and societal drivers of obesity.

Prevention strategies should focus on overall health promotion throughout the life course, beginning in childhood and extending into adulthood. The authors stress the importance of integrating obesity prevention into existing NCD programs and community health initiatives.

To improve clinical care, the paper calls for standardized obesity management pathways that incorporate screening, risk stratification, lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery when appropriate. Looking ahead, the authors envision a comprehensive national obesity strategy that combines prevention, early diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and policy action to reduce the long-term health and economic consequences of obesity in India.

Reference: Kalra S, Kesavadev J, Goel R, Lakdawala M, Agrawal V, Malhotra N, et al. Burden of Obesity in India: Need for Policy Changes to Attain Highest Possible Level  of Health and Well-Being. Clinical Obesity 2026:16(2):e70072.