1 In 5 Indians At Risk Of High Blood Sugar As Obesity Rates Rise Sharply: Survey

India is witnessing a sharp increase in overweight and obesity levels along with rising high blood sugar risk , with the latest National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) highlighting a growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases across the country.

The survey shows that 30.7 per cent of women aged 15–49 years were overweight or obese in 2023–24, up from 24 per cent in NFHS-5. This translates to roughly 1 in 3 women in this age group. Among men aged 15–49 years , the prevalence increased from 22.9 per cent to 27.3 per cent, or about 1 in 4 men , indicating a steady rise in obesity across genders.

At the same time, the survey flags a growing concern around blood sugar levels , a key indicator of diabetes risk. Around 17.8 per cent of women aged 15 years and above reported high or very high blood sugar levels or were on medication, meaning about 1 in 6 women are affected. Among men, the figure stands at about 20.9 per cent, or 1 in 5 Indians , underscoring a widening metabolic health burden.

Health experts describe the trend as part of a growing “double burden of disease” , where India continues to face traditional nutrition challenges while non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions are rising rapidly.

The data shows wide regional variation. Puducherry, Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded the highest levels of overweight or obesity , while states such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Assam reported relatively lower prevalence. Among men, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded the highest burden, followed by several southern and northern states with high rates.

Recent consolidated findings also highlight a notable prevalence of hypertension , further compounding the risk of heart disease and stroke.

At the same time, NFHS-6 reports improvements in maternal and child health indicators , including better immunisation coverage and improved access to healthcare services, showing a shifting health profile in India.

The NFHS-6 covered over 6.79 lakh households, 7.16 lakh women and more than one lakh men , making it one of the most comprehensive health datasets in the country. The Health Ministry has called for stronger preventive healthcare systems , lifestyle modifications and nutrition-focused interventions to address the rising burden of metabolic diseases.