A recent study published in The Lancet predicts that by 2050, over half of all adults and a third of children, teenagers, and young adults worldwide will be overweight or obese. India is set to be among the top three countries most affected, with women and younger populations disproportionately impacted.

The obesity crisis is accelerating rapidly, particularly in lower-income countries, and experts warn that without urgent intervention, this will become a “profound tragedy.”

Obesity in India: A Sharp Rise Over the Decades

India has witnessed a dramatic surge in obesity rates over the past three decades.

Obesity trends in India:

• 1990: 15 million men & 21 million women were overweight or obese.
• 2021: 81 million men & 98 million women.
• 2050 (Projected): 218 million men & 232 million women.

What’s Driving the Surge?

Rapid urbanization
Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods
More sedentary lifestyles

Between 2009 and 2019, India ranked among the top three countries with the largest annual growth in per capita sales of processed foods and beverages.

Women More Affected Than Men

• Currently: Obesity rate among Indian women is 8% compared to 4% in men.
• Among ever-married women of reproductive age, obesity tripled from 5% in 1998-99 to 16% in 2019-21.

Global Obesity Outlook

By 2021, nearly half of the global adult population—1 billion men and 1.11 billion women aged 25 or older—were overweight or obese.

Projected overweight and obesity rates by 2050:

• Men: 57.4%
• Women: 60.3%

Countries Most Affected by 2050:

China – 627 million overweight/obese adults
India – 450 million overweight/obese adults
USA – 214 million overweight/obese adults
Nigeria – 141 million (highest growth in Africa)

Impact on Healthcare Systems

The rising obesity epidemic poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India.

Burden on healthcare infrastructure
Higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses
Increased financial strain on families and public health systems

Professor Emmanuela Gakidou from the University of Washington warned:
“The unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure.”

Obesity Among Youth: A Growing Concern

Childhood & Teen Obesity in India

India ranks second globally in overweight and obesity cases among children aged 5-14 years.

Obesity cases among Indian children:

• 1990: 4.6 million boys & 5.4 million girls
• 2021: 13 million boys & 12 million girls
• 2050 (Projected): 16 million boys & 14 million girls

Obesity cases among adolescents (15-24 years):

• 1990: 4 million males & 3.3 million females
• 2021: 17 million males & 13 million females
• 2050 (Projected): 23 million males & 17 million females

Unlike adult obesity trends where women are more affected, among younger populations, obesity rates are rising faster in males.

The Time to Act is Now

Urgent Policy Actions Needed

Early intervention for children & adolescents
Public health awareness campaigns
Regulation on processed foods & sugary beverages
Encouraging physical activity & healthier diets

Dr. Jessica Kerr, co-lead author from Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia, warns:
“Preventing a complete transition to global obesity for children and adolescents is still possible if we act now.”

She emphasizes the need for multifaceted intervention and treatment to prevent serious health, economic, and societal burdens for future generations.

India’s Double Burden: Obesity & Malnutrition

In India, childhood malnutrition and infectious diseases remain widespread. The simultaneous rise in obesity adds another layer of complexity to the country’s healthcare challenges.

Without urgent action, obesity will further widen public health disparities and burden India’s already stretched healthcare infrastructure.

What’s Next?

A global commitment is needed to combat obesity with effective policies, education, and access to healthier food options.