NFHS-6 Records Rise in Obesity and High Blood Sugar

The National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) was conducted in 2023-24 by the Union Health Ministry and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai. The survey recorded higher levels of obesity and high blood sugar among adults in India compared with NFHS-5 (2019-21).

National Family Health Survey

The National Family Health Survey is a large-scale household survey in India that collects data on fertility, mortality, nutrition, anaemia, family planning, and non-communicable diseases. NFHS-6 covered indicators related to obesity, blood sugar, and other health parameters across states and Union Territories.

Obesity Trends in Adults

Among women aged 15-49 years, obesity increased from 24% in NFHS-5 to 30.7% in NFHS-6. Among men in the same age group, obesity rose from 22.9% to 27.3% during the same period. Urban areas recorded higher obesity levels than rural areas in 2023-24. For example, 42.8% of urban women were overweight or obese, compared with 25.5% of rural women.

High Blood Sugar and Diabetes Pattern

Among women aged 15 years and above, high blood sugar levels or use of medication to control blood sugar increased from 13.5% in NFHS-5 to 17.8% in NFHS-6. Among men aged 15 years and above, the prevalence rose from 15.6% to 20.9%. Kerala recorded diabetes prevalence of 31.9% among men and 28.9% among women in 2023-24. Puducherry recorded female obesity prevalence of 46.3%, followed by Chandigarh at 44% and Delhi at 41.4%.

Important Facts for Exams

• NFHS is conducted under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with technical support from IIPS, Mumbai.
• NFHS-6 refers to the 2023-24 round of the National Family Health Survey.
• Obesity and diabetes are classified as non-communicable diseases.
• India faces a double burden of disease, with undernutrition and non-communicable diseases present together.

Risk Factors Linked to NCDs

Common factors associated with obesity and high blood sugar include processed food consumption, excess salt and sugar intake, stress, poor sleep, and ageing populations. Southern states have recorded higher prevalence of overweight, obesity, and diabetes in several NFHS-6 indicators.