New Delhi: India is facing a critical rise in obesity, with one in every four adults now overweight, according to a study released by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change on Tuesday. However, Meghalaya stands out as the state with the lowest obesity levels in the country, showcasing a stark contrast to metros like Delhi.
Citing NFHS 2019–21 data, the study highlights that only 12% of women in Meghalaya are obese, the lowest figure in India, compared to 41% in Delhi, the highest. Childhood obesity also showed similar variation, underscoring widening regional disparities.
The report titled “Building on Success to Secure India’s Future Health” notes that obesity among Indian adults—24% of women and 23% of men—is nearly five times higher than three decades ago. It warns that rising obesity is already straining India’s health system and economy, costing USD 2.4 billion in healthcare and reducing economic output by almost USD 29 billion a year.
Experts at the Delhi roundtable stressed that while national initiatives like Eat Right India, Fit India Movement, and the new sugary-drinks “sin tax” are steps forward, states like Meghalaya provide important insights into healthier dietary habits and traditional lifestyles that may be protecting populations from rapid weight gain.
Vivek Agarwal, Country Director at the Tony Blair Institute, said India must move decisively toward prevention-focused healthcare, combining technology, data and community-led action.
