Lancet Study Warns: One-Third of India’s Population Could Be Obese by 2050
The obesity epidemic in India is reaching alarming levels, with a new Lancet study predicting that 44.9 crore Indians—21.8 crore men and 23.1 crore women—will be overweight or obese by 2050. This means nearly one-third of the country’s projected population will struggle with excess weight.
Globally, the study estimates that more than half of all adults and a third of children and adolescents will be overweight or obese by 2050.
Sharp Rise in Adolescent Obesity
The most concerning trend is the rising prevalence of obesity among older adolescents (15-24 years). India topped the global chart in this category in 2021, surpassing China and the United States.
- Young men: Obesity cases increased from 0.4 crore in 1990 to 1.68 crore in 2021, with projections reaching 2.27 crore by 2050.
- Young women: The number rose from 0.33 crore in 1990 to 1.3 crore in 2021, and is expected to hit 1.69 crore by 2050.
- Children: Obesity and overweight cases in boys rose from 0.46 crore (1990) to 1.3 crore (2021) and may reach 1.6 crore by 2050. Among girls, it increased from 0.45 crore (1990) to 1.24 crore (2021) and is projected to hit 1.44 crore in 2050.
What’s Driving India’s Obesity Epidemic?
The study highlights several key reasons behind this growing crisis:
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Unhealthy Diets – Increased consumption of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats is a major factor. Multinational food giants are shifting their focus from high-income nations to developing markets like India, where weaker regulations enable rapid expansion. Between 2009 and 2019, India saw one of the highest growth rates in ultra-processed food and beverage sales, along with Cameroon and Vietnam.
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Urbanization & Sedentary Lifestyles – Growing urban populations have led to longer commute times, desk-bound jobs, and reduced physical activity, contributing to weight gain.
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Work Stress & Mental Health – Rising stress levels, poor sleep, and mental health disorders are strongly linked to obesity, experts warn.
Policy Gaps & the Need for Action
Despite the growing crisis, only 40% of countries worldwide have an operational strategy to tackle obesity. In low and middle-income countries—including India—this number drops to just 10%.
The study also reveals that most obesity interventions have been designed for high-income nations, leaving a critical gap in solutions for countries like India.
Experts urge urgent policy action, public awareness campaigns, and lifestyle interventions to combat the crisis before it overwhelms India’s healthcare system.
