India Ranks Second Globally in Childhood Obesity

Why in the News

The World Obesity Atlas 2026, released by the World Obesity Federation on World Obesity Day (March 4), reported that India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, after China.

Key Findings

Scale of Childhood Obesity in India (2025)

• Children aged 5–9: ~15 million overweight or obese
• Children aged 10–19: ~26 million overweight or obese

High BMI figures among children:

• China: 62 million
• India: 41 million
• United States: 27 million
• India therefore ranks second globally in number of children with high BMI.

Global Trend

• 20.7% of children worldwide (ages 5–19) are overweight or obese.
• This increased from 14.6% in 2010.
• By 2040, about 507 million children globally may be overweight or obese.

Major Risk Factors Identified in India

• Low Physical Activity: 74% of adolescents (11–17 years) do not meet recommended physical activity levels.
• Poor Nutrition: Increased consumption of sugary beverages among children.
• Inadequate School Nutrition: Only 35.5% of school-age children receive school meals.
• Sub-optimal Breastfeeding: 32.6% of infants (1–5 months) do not receive optimal breastfeeding.

Health Risks Linked to High BMI

By 2040, India may see rising cases of:

• Hypertension
• Hyperglycaemia
• High triglycerides
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
  • These conditions increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Recommended Policy Actions

• Introduce taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Restrict junk food marketing targeting children.
• Promote healthy school meals and physical activity.
• Strengthen nutrition and breastfeeding programmes.

Prelims Pointers

• BMI (Body Mass Index) = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²).
• World Obesity Day is observed on March 4.
• Childhood obesity increases risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• MASLD refers to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.