India's obesity burden to swell to Rs 6.7L crore per year by 2030, says study

HYDERABAD: Fat isn't just fit for you, it's flab for the economy, too. PM Modi's resolve to address India's rising obesity rate - he flagged it in the Mann Ki Baat episode last Sunday - is backed by data that also shows the far-reaching economic consequences of what many see as just a public health problem.
According to online forum

Global Obesity Observatory

, the

economic impact of obesity in India

in 2019 was estimated to be $28.95 billion (Rs 2.4 lakh crore), equivalent to around Rs 1,800 per capita and 1.02% of GDP.
By 2030, that is projected to grow to $81.53 billion (Rs 6.7 lakh crore, based on current exchange rate). This would work out to Rs 4,700 per capita, or 1.57% of GDP. In another 30 years, i.e. 2060, unchecked obesity could see the figure burgeon to $838.6 billion (Rs 69.6 lakh crore). This will mark a per capita drain of Rs 44,200, which is 2.5% of GDP, says the report.

National Family Health Survey-5

pegged weighted prevalence of overweight and obesity in men and women at 44% and 41%, respectively, compared to 37.7% and 36% in the previous cycle.
"Economic impact of obesity could become unsustainable, putting immense pressure on both the public health system and economy," a healthcare expert said.
Avula Lakshmaiah, a retired scientist of National Institute of Nutrition, said the economic impact could be much higher than calculated. "The repercussions of obesity extend beyond treatment costs - loss of livelihood, opportunity costs, and emotional toll due to lack of societal support also contribute significantly to this economic burden," he told TOI.
Global Obesity Observatory has developed a checklist of policy measures designed for countries worldwide to effectively reduce and monitor obesity rates.
While India's checklist reflects several positive initiatives, the country currently lacks a cohesive national strategy to combat escalating obesity crisis, particularly among children. India has a national nutrition strategy focused on ensuring that all children, adolescent girls, and women achieve optimal nutritional status, especially those hailing from the most vulnerable communities.
Physical inactivity is a major contributor to obesity crisis. Global Obesity Observatory's 2022 data reveals that 50% of adults in India engage in insufficient physical activity. The situation is alarming among women, with approximately 60% failing to meet recommended activity levels. This sedentary lifestyle, coupled with poor dietary habits, is fuelling the rise in obesity, experts say.