The Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, Hypertension, and Diabetes in India: Analysis of the 2015–2016 National Family Health Survey

Abstract

Overweight, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes increase the risk of non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality worldwide. Previous studies have not determined the prevalence of these conditions/diseases throughout India. Therefore, this study was aimed to address this limitation. Data on these conditions/diseases among men and women aged ≥ 18 years were obtained from the fourth National Family Health Survey conducted throughout India between January 2015 and December 2016. The prevalence and prevalence rate per 100,000 population were calculated at the national level and by age group, sex, and type of residence for each state and union territory. The national prevalence of overweight, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were 14.6%, 3.4%, 5.2%, and 7.1%, respectively. The highest prevalence of these conditions/diseases at the national level was seen among those aged 35–49 years (54 years for men), especially women living in urban areas. In India, 1 out of every 7, 29, 19, and 14 individuals at the national level had overweight, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, respectively—between 2015 and 2016. These results are important for the healthcare system and government policies in the future. Moreover, targeted efforts are required to establish public health strategies for the prevention, management, and treatment of these conditions/diseases throughout India.