Study Finds Nearly 7% School Children in India Obese; Arunachal Pradesh Worst-Affected

Childhood obesity is emerging as a growing public health concern in India, with new research showing a steady rise in prevalence across regions and age groups. A large-scale analysis published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine, based on over 5 lakh participants from 125 studies, found that nearly 7% of children in the country are now obese.

The study highlights regional disparities, with northern India recording the highest prevalence at 8.58%, while central India reported the lowest at 5.63%. Among states, Arunachal Pradesh topped the list, followed by Delhi, whereas Manipur reported the lowest rates, reports CNBC TV18.

The findings also point to shifting lifestyle patterns as a key driver, including reduced physical activity and increased consumption of calorie-dense processed foods. While obesity levels among boys and girls remain nearly equal, the broader trend signals a worrying trajectory. Experts warn that childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of long-term conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hormonal disorders. At the same time, India continues to face a “double burden” of malnutrition, where rising obesity coexists with persistent undernutrition, posing a complex challenge for public health systems.