India's health survey reveals simultaneous rise in obesity and underweight rates

India's most recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) highlights a dual burden of malnutrition: rising overweight and a resurgence of below-normal body mass index (BMI). Among women aged 15-49, the normal-BMI share declined from 57.3% to 49.6%, and men’s normal-BMI proportion fell to 19.7%, matching women for the first time. Overweight rates have climbed steadily, reaching roughly 31% for women and 27% for men.

State-level analysis shows that 16 states now have fewer than half of women in the normal-BMI range, while 11 states exhibit the same situation for men, up from one state previously. Urban doctors, such as Dr Sadajit Banerjee of Kolkata, report more patients seeking weight-loss drugs, whereas rural areas still grapple with undernutrition. The findings suggest policymakers must address both ends of the nutrition spectrum.