Nagaland has emerged as one of the states with the lowest prevalence of overweight and obesity among women aged 15-49 years, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24.
The survey found that 17.2 per cent of women in Nagaland are classified as overweight or obese, placing the state among the five lowest in the country. Only Meghalaya, at 13.8 per cent, and Jharkhand, at 16.9 per cent, recorded lower rates. Assam and Bihar followed Nagaland with 19.6 per cent and 19.8 per cent respectively.
In contrast, several states and Union Territories reported much higher levels. Puducherry topped the list with 51.3 per cent, followed by Lakshadweep (50.1 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (47.9 per cent), Sikkim (47.5 per cent) and Kerala (46.7 per cent).
The findings indicate that obesity among women remains comparatively lower in Nagaland than in many other parts of the country, even as national obesity rates continue to rise.
Obesity is rising steadily in India, particularly among women and urban populations, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24. The trend has raised concerns because excess body weight is linked to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
The survey classifies overweight and obesity as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 kg per square metre or higher among people aged 15-49 years. Among women, the prevalence increased from 24 per cent in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 30.7 per cent in NFHS-6, while among men it rose from 22.9 per cent to 27.3 per cent. Women continue to record higher obesity levels than men nationwide.
Urban areas show significantly higher rates than rural regions. Among women, 42.8 per cent of urban residents are overweight or obese compared to 25.5 per cent in rural areas. For men, the figures stand at 36.3 per cent and 23 per cent respectively.
The Health Ministry attributed the rise to lifestyle-related risks, including reduced physical activity, sedentary work patterns and increased consumption of calorie-dense foods. It stressed the need for preventive healthcare, behavioural changes and balanced nutrition.
In contrast, obesity among children under five has declined. The proportion of overweight children fell from 3.4 per cent in NFHS-5 to 1.3 per cent in NFHS-6.
According to Dr Naveen Prakash Verma of Yathartha Hospital, changing lifestyles and food habits, including greater consumption of fast food and packaged foods, are key factors behind rising obesity. He also highlighted the role of inactivity and unhealthy habits developed early in life, while noting that hormonal changes, pregnancy and household responsibilities may contribute to higher obesity rates among women.
(With inputs from agencies)