UNICEF flags sharp rise of obesity across all age groups in India      

Experts from UNICEF India on Thursday highlighted that the country is witnessing a sharp rise in obesity across all age groups due to factors including sedentary lifestyle and a high consumption of ultra-processed foods.

According to UNICEF's Child Nutrition Global Report 2025 released on Thursday, obesity has, for the first time, surpassed underweight globally as the most common form of malnutrition among school-aged children and adolescents.

At a UNICEF-organised national media round-table on healthy diets held here, experts warned about increased screen time, low physical activity, and rising consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and sugary drinks and an increasing exposure of children and adolescents to an unhealthy food environment.

The experts said India is witnessing a sharp rise in overweight and obesity across all age groups -- from young children to adults.

One in 10 children worldwide, nearly 188 million, now live with obesity, they said, adding that once considered a condition of affluence, obesity is spreading rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, including India.

Countries in South Asia had the lowest prevalence of overweight in 2000, but by 2022, the prevalence increased almost fivefold among children and teenagers aged 5-19.

In India, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data show a sharp surge in overweight and obesity among under-five children, with prevalence rising by 127 per cent (from 1.5 per cent to 3.4 per cent between NFHS-3 in 2005-06 and NFHS-5 in 2019-21).

Among adolescents, overweight and obesity increased by 125 per cent in girls (2.4 per cent to 5.4 per cent) and a striking 288 per cent in boys (1.7 per cent to 6.6 per cent).

In adults, obesity rose by 91 per cent among women (12.6 per cent to 24 per cent) and 146 per cent among men (9.3 per cent to 22.9 per cent), pointing to a nationwide health crisis.

By 2030, India is expected to be home to over 27 million children and adolescents (5-19 years) living with obesity, accounting for 11 per cent of the global burden, according to experts.