Rising Obesity Among Rural Women in India

Obesity is increasingly affecting women in rural India, aligning with trends observed among urban women. The rise in obesity among rural women is attributed to several factors, as outlined by medical experts.

Causes of Rising Obesity

• Changing Lifestyles: Improved living standards and sedentary lifestyles in rural areas contribute to obesity. 
• Post-Pregnancy Weight: Inability to lose weight post-childbirth, especially after multiple pregnancies, leads to accumulated abdominal obesity. 
• Disrupted Sleep and Hormonal Changes: These factors further exacerbate obesity in women. 

Statistical Insights

•  According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the proportion of women with a BMI over 25 kg/m2 increased from 10.6% in 1998-99 to 24% in 2019-21. 
•  The share of obesity in rural women rose to 19.7% in 2021 from 5.9% in 1998. 

Future Projections and Concerns

•  A study by Lancet estimates over 440 million obese individuals in India by 2050, with women surpassing men in numbers. 
•  The proliferation of processed foods in rural areas and increased calorie intake contribute to obesity. 
•  Approximately 30% of obesity risk is genetic, yet environmental factors, like dietary behavior and lifestyle changes, play significant roles. 
•  The common age range for obesity in women is between 30-50 years. 

Health Implications

•  Women with obesity face higher risks of joint pain, back pain, reduced physical activity, and work-related fatigue. 
•  Obesity, akin to chronic diseases like hypertension, can be controlled and potentially reversed through lifestyle measures and medication.