Hyderabad: Fat isn’t just fit for you, it’s flab for the economy, too. PM Modi’s resolve to address India’s rising obesity rate – he flagged it in the Mann Ki Baat episode last Sunday – is backed by data that also shows the far-reaching economic consequences of what many see as just a public health problem.
According to online forum Global Obesity Observatory, the economic impact of obesity in India in 2019 was estimated to be $28.95 billion (Rs 2.4 lakh crore), equivalent to around Rs 1,800 per capita and 1.02per cent of GDP.
By 2030, that is projected to grow to $81.53 billion (Rs 6.7 lakh crore, based on current exchange rate). This would work out to Rs 4,700 per capita, or 1.57per cent of GDP. In another 30 years, i.e. 2060, unchecked obesity could see the figure burgeon to $838.6 billion (Rs 69.6 lakh crore). This will mark a per capita drain of Rs 44,200, which is 2.5per cent of GDP, says the report.
National Family Health Survey-5 pegged weighted prevalence of overweight and obesity in men and women at 44per cent and 41per cent, respectively, compared to 37.7per cent and 36per cent in the previous cycle.
“Economic impact of obesity could become unsustainable, putting immense pressure on both the public health system and economy,” a healthcare expert said.
Avula Lakshmaiah, a retired scientist of National Institute of Nutrition, said the economic impact could be much higher than calculated. “The repercussions of obesity extend beyond treatment costs – loss of livelihood, opportunity costs, and emotional toll due to lack of societal support also contribute significantly to this economic burden,” he told TOI.
Global Obesity Observatory has developed a checklist of policy measures designed for countries worldwide to effectively reduce and monitor obesity rates.
While India’s checklist reflects several positive initiatives, the country currently lacks a cohesive national strategy to combat escalating obesity crisis, particularly among children. India has a national nutrition strategy focused on ensuring that all children, adolescent girls, and women achieve optimal nutritional status, especially those hailing from the most vulnerable communities.
Physical inactivity is a major contributor to obesity crisis. Global Obesity Observatory’s 2022 data reveals that 50per cent of adults in India engage in insufficient physical activity. The situation is alarming among women, with approximately 60per cent failing to meet recommended activity levels. This sedentary lifestyle, coupled with poor dietary habits, is fuelling the rise in obesity, experts say.
