Share of diabetics with generalized obesity India 2008-2020, by residence

According to a study conducted between 2008 and 2020 in India, about 45 percent of diabetics in rural areas had generalized obesity. In comparison, 58.4 percent of diabetic individuals in the urban areas reported having generalized obesity.

Factors leading to obesity

Many factors have contributed to the exponential rise in obesity in recent years in India. Some of the most common among these include a sedentary lifestyle as a result of urbanization, and unhealthy diets. Studies indicate that sitting for prolonged periods, particularly in front of a computer or a television, can lead to weight gain. Further, the consumption of high-calorie diets and high sugar intake has increased in India, especially among higher-income groups. This, compounded with a lack of physical activity, could lead to a higher BMI index and obesity.

Obesity among children

The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased significantly in the past two decades. A study reported that obesity affected at least 30 percent of children between the ages of six and 14 in India . This is a call for concern, given that childhood obesity can be the onset of several diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.