Jammu & Kashmir Faces Alarming Rise in Obesity: India May Reach 440 Million Overweight People by 2050

Updated On: March 4, 2025

A recent study published in The Lancet has projected that by 2050, India could witness over 440 million obese and overweight individuals. This alarming projection places India as the second-most affected country globally, following China, with the United States, Brazil, and Nigeria trailing behind. The rising obesity crisis, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), has drawn significant concern, as highlighted by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). The survey indicates a substantial increase in obesity rates across gender groups, especially among men, reflecting a growing public health emergency.

Obesity Crisis in India: Key Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

An international team of researchers, including experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), conducted the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, revealing shocking trends:

In 2021, nearly half of the world’s adults—over 1 billion men and 1 billion women aged 25 and above—were classified as overweight or obese.
India accounted for approximately 180 million overweight or obese individuals (81 million men and 98 million women).
By 2050, projections indicate a drastic increase, with 218 million men and 231 million women in India facing obesity-related health risks.
The global obesity crisis is expected to affect 3.8 billion adults, making up more than half of the world’s population.

NFHS-5 Report Highlights Rising Obesity in Jammu & Kashmir

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21 has underscored the rising obesity trend in India, with a significant spike observed among men in Jammu & Kashmir. Over the past five years, the proportion of obese and overweight men in J&K surged from 20.5% in NFHS-4 (2015-16) to 31.6% in NFHS-5 (2019-21), marking an 11% increase.

Key NFHS-5 Obesity Data from Jammu & Kashmir:

Men’s obesity rate rose from 20.5% (NFHS-4) to 31.6% (NFHS-5).
Urban J&K recorded 40.8% obesity among men, significantly higher than the 28.2% in rural areas.
Women’s obesity rate remained stable at 29.3%, similar to NFHS-4 levels.
Urban areas reported 33.4% obesity among women, while rural areas had a 27.9% rate.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio: A Growing Health Concern

Men with high-risk waist-to-hip ratios (≥0.90): 60.7%, with urban J&K reporting 66%—higher than rural J&K.
Women with high-risk waist-to-hip ratios (≥0.85): 87.8%, with urban J&K at 89.2% and rural J&K at 87.3%.

These alarming statistics indicate that obesity is rapidly becoming a silent epidemic in J&K, increasing the risk of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and metabolic disorders.

Childhood and Youth Obesity: A Looming Crisis

The GBD Study 2021 predicts a steep rise in childhood and youth obesity, further exacerbating the health crisis:

Children (5-14 years): By 2050, India may have 16 million overweight boys and 14 million overweight girls, ranking second globally after China.
Youth (15-24 years): India is expected to lead globally, with over 22 million men and 17 million women projected to suffer from obesity by 2050.

Government Response: PM Modi’s Call for Action Against Obesity

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of addressing obesity during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on February 23. He called for a national movement towards healthier lifestyles and urged citizens to take proactive steps to combat obesity.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi encouraged widespread participation:

“I also request them to nominate 10 people each so that our movement gets bigger.”

J&K CM Omar Abdullah Supports PM Modi’s Initiative

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed strong support for PM Modi’s anti-obesity campaign, acknowledging the need for collective action.

“I’m very happy to join the campaign against obesity launched by PM @narendramodi,” Abdullah wrote on X, reinforcing the call for a healthier nation.

Health Risks of Obesity: Why Immediate Action is Needed

Obesity, classified as a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, significantly increases the risk of:

Metabolic disorders such as Type-2 diabetes
Cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and heart attacks
Bone health issues, causing joint pain and mobility restrictions
Infertility and reproductive complications
Increased cancer risk

Given the severe implications of obesity, urgent lifestyle modifications and public health initiatives are necessary to curb its rise.

With India projected to face one of the most severe obesity crises globally, immediate interventions are crucial. Government initiatives, healthcare policies, and public participation must align to promote healthy lifestyles, physical activity, and nutritional education.

Gyan Tatya:

✔ The NFHS-5 data highlights a significant surge in obesity rates across Jammu & Kashmir, particularly among men.

✔ By 2050, India may have 440 million overweight individuals, ranking among the top two globally.

✔ The Indian government, led by PM Modi, has launched a national campaign to tackle obesity.

✔ A collective effort from individuals, policymakers, and healthcare professionals is essential to combat this public health crisis.

Addressing obesity now will not only improve the overall well-being of individuals but also prevent long-term health complications, ensuring a healthier future for Jammu & Kashmir and India as a whole.