The Economic Survey 2023-24 which was released on Monday, July 22nd, 2024, warned that India would not be able to achieve the long-term economy goal of becoming a developed nation if Indians do not get fit.

"If India needs to reap the gains of its demographic dividend, it is critical that its population’s health parameters transition towards a balanced and diverse diet," the survey says. A key health challenge it has pointed out is obesity. 

The Economic Survey 2023–24 lists the obesity rates for each state and illustrates the spatial spread of India's obesity problem based on NFHS-5 compared to NFHS-4.

State-Wise Economy Goal

In Tamil Nadu, it is 40.4% for women (compared to 30.9% in NFHS-4) and 37.0% for men (compared to 28.2% in NFHS-4). In Uttar Pradesh, it increased from 16.5% (NFHS-4) for women to 21.3% (NFHS-5) for men, and from 12.5% (NFHS-4) to 18.5% (NFHS-5).

In Kerala, it increased from 32.4% (NFHS-4) for women to 38.1% (NFHS-5) for men, and from 28.5% (NFHS-4) to 36.4% (NFHS-5). In West Bengal, it increased from 19.9% (NFHS-4) to 22.7% (NFHS-5) for women and 16.2% (NFHS-4) for men from 14.2% (NFHS-4).

Economy Goal
Image Source: The Economic Times

"Obesity is emerging as a serious concern among India’s adult population. According to National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5), the percentage of men facing obesity in the age bracket 18-69 has increased to 22.9 per cent in NFHS-5 from 18.9 per cent in NFHS-4. For women, it has increased from 20.6% (NFHS-4) to 24.0% (NFHS-5)," it says. 

Further, In Karnataka, women's increases over NFHS-4 are 7% points (30.1% vs. 23.3%) while men's increases are approximately 9% points (30.9% vs. 22.1%). For women in Andhra, it is 36.3% (compared to 33.2%). But the percentage has decreased to 31.1% (from 33.5%) for men. In NFHS-4, the percentage of overweight women and men in Telangana went from 28.6% for women to 24.2% for males, to 30.1% and 32.3%, respectively.

In Maharashtra, if you talk about economy goals, it has increased for men to 24.7% (NFHS-5) from 23.8% (NFHS-4), while it has stayed constant for women at 23.4% between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5.In Madhya Pradesh, the percentage has increased for men to 15.6% (NFHS-5) from 13.6% (NFHS4) and for women to 16.6% (NFHS-5) from 10.9% (NFHS-4).

In Jharkhand, it increased from 10.3% (NFHS-4) for women to 11.9% (NFHS-5) for males, and from 11.1% (NFHS-4) to 15.1% (NFHS-5) for women. In Bihar, it increased from 12.6% (NFHS-4) for males to 14.7% (NFHS-5) for women and from 11.7% (NFHS-4) for women. The percentage of obese women in the NCT (Delhi) is 41.3% (compared to 33.5%), and the percentage of obese men is 38.0% (compared to 24.6%).

A brief review of the data at the All-India level reveals that, according to NFHS5, the incidence of obesity is substantially greater in urban India than in rural India (29.8% vs. 19.3% for males and 33.2% vs. 19.7% for women).

The government's long-term objective for Indians to become a developed economy goal is out of the question if they don't shed some pounds. Many think that India's economy and economy goals are poised for success because of its large youth population and significant demographic dividend, which might result in a significant increase in productivity at a time when many industrialized economies are seeing an ageing population.

Obesity creates a worrying scenario when combined with some states' ageing populations. In order to enable residents to lead better lifestyles, preventive measures must be implemented. It is important to note that the COVID-19 epidemic and the NFHS-5 Survey coincided in this instance. Because of these limitations on outdoor activities and lockdowns, sedentary lives may have grown more ingrained, which has led to a significant increase in the obesity rate in NFHS-5. It will be encouraging if the NFHS-6 trend reverses.

Achieving a developed, powerful economy goal is paramount for India's future, requiring the nation to shed several economic burdens. Enhancing productivity through streamlined bureaucratic processes and improved infrastructure is essential, as is managing the fiscal deficit by controlling public expenditure and increasing revenue, which contributes to economy goal.

Tackling corruption will create a more transparent business environment, while investing in education and skill development will cultivate a skilled workforce, driving innovation and growth. Modernizing agriculture, balancing industrial growth with environmental protection, and integrating more deeply into global trade networks are also crucial steps. Addressing these structural challenges will pave the way for a robust, dynamic, and sustainable economy, propelling India towards its economy goal.

You might also be interested: Marketing ultra-processed foods is deceptive, contributes to diabetes, obesity in India: Report