India is witnessing a rapid escalation in obesity and diabetes risk, according to findings from the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6, 2023–24). The latest survey reveals a sharp increase in overweight and obesity among both men and women, alongside a substantial rise in elevated blood sugar levels, underscoring the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the country. Among women aged 15–49 years, the prevalence of overweight or obesity increased from 24.0% in NFHS-5 (2019–21) to 30.7% in NFHS-6. A similar trend was observed among men in the same age group, with prevalence rising from 22.9% to 27.3%. The findings indicate that nearly one in three women and more than one in four men in India are now overweight or obese, reflecting significant lifestyle and nutritional transitions occurring nationwide. The survey also documented a worrying increase in elevated blood sugar levels. Among women aged 15 years and above, the proportion with high or very high blood sugar levels, or those receiving treatment for diabetes, rose from 13.5% to 17.8%. Among men, the corresponding prevalence increased from 15.6% to 20.9%. These trends signal a growing risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, conditions that are already major contributors to morbidity and mortality in India. Regional variations were also evident. Among women aged 15–49 years, the highest prevalence of overweight or obesity was reported in Puducherry (46.3%), followed by Chandigarh (44.0%), Delhi (41.4%), Punjab (40.8%), Tamil Nadu (40.5%), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (38.1%). For men, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded the highest prevalence at approximately 38%, followed by Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Goa, where more than one-third of men were overweight or obese. In contrast, states such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Assam reported comparatively lower obesity prevalence.

The findings highlight India's growing "double burden" of malnutrition, where persistent undernutrition coexists with increasing rates of overweight, obesity, and metabolic disease. Excess body weight and elevated blood sugar are major risk factors for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and several cancers, making their rising prevalence a significant public health concern. Health experts emphasize that addressing this challenge will require a comprehensive strategy involving healthier dietary habits, increased physical activity, early screening for metabolic disorders, public awareness campaigns, and supportive health policies. The Ministry of Health has also stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, behavioural change interventions, and balanced nutrition strategies to curb the rising tide of lifestyle-related diseases. As India undergoes rapid socioeconomic and demographic transitions, the NFHS-6 findings serve as a timely reminder that obesity and diabetes prevention must become national health priorities. Strengthening community-based interventions and promoting healthier lifestyles will be essential to reducing the future burden of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases across the country.