Why in the News?
India has emerged as the third most obese country in the world after the US and China, according to the World Obesity Federation. The Economic Survey 2026 flagged obesity as a rising public health challenge across age groups, raising expectations from Union Budget 2026 to make healthy living affordable.
Key Findings on Obesity in India
- Global ranking: India is the third most obese country globally
- Social spread:
- 76 percent Indians report at least one obese person in their close social circle
- 42 percent report four or more obese individuals around them
- Associated diseases:
- 56 percent obese individuals also suffer from lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver
Causes of Rising Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
- High consumption of fatty and ultra processed foods
- Urbanisation and screen based work culture
- Poor dietary diversity and nutrition awareness
Official Data
- National Family Health Survey 5:Overweight or obese adults:
- Women: 24 percent
- Men: 23 percent
- Children under 5 with excess weight: Increased from 2.1 percent (2015–16) to 3.4 percent (2019–21)
Health Implications
- Higher risk of non communicable diseases like: Diabetes, Heart disease and Hypertension
- Increased long term healthcare burden
- Reduced productivity and quality of life
Budget 2026 Expectations
Citizens expect Budget 2026 to:
- Reduce taxes on healthy food options
- Improve affordability of fitness and preventive healthcare services
- Discourage consumption of ultra processed foods through fiscal measures
- Promote lifestyle based prevention over drug dependent solutions
| [2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers 2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women 3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice 4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only |
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