Over 41 Percent of Karnataka Women Are Overweight or Obese, New Survey Reveals
A sharp rise in obesity rates has been recorded across Karnataka, particularly among women, according to the recently released National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6.
The survey, conducted during 2023-24, revealed that 41.2 percent of women in the state are now overweight or obese, with the trend being most prominent among urban women in cities like Bengaluru.
Analyzing a sample size of 30,260 persons across the state, the survey found that 41.2 percent of women and 36.4 percent of men in Karnataka are either overweight or obese. This represents a significant increase from the previous 2019-21 survey, which recorded these figures at 30.2 percent for women and 30.9 percent for men. Among urban women, the rate of those classified as overweight or obese reached nearly 51 percent.
Medical professionals in Bengaluru have pointed to urban lifestyles as a primary driver of this trend. Sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, easy access to junk food and sugary drinks through quick-commerce platforms, and increased alcohol consumption are major contributing factors.
Dr. K. S. Harshith, a consultant in internal medicine at Aster RV Hospital, highlighted that women in urban India have faced a steady rise in obesity over the past two decades. He noted that safety concerns in certain areas restrict outdoor physical activity for many women, while younger females often face societal restrictions on exercising outdoors.
Additionally, Dr. Nidhin Mohan, a senior consultant in general medicine at Narayana Health City, linked the rise in obesity among women to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). He also noted that women continue to manage a disproportionate share of household responsibilities alongside their professional commitments, leaving them with less time to focus on personal health and fitness.
Doctors also noted that social perceptions contribute to the issue, as some older generations incorrectly view weight loss as a sign of poor health. While south Indians may have a genetic predisposition toward abdominal obesity, experts emphasize that genetics alone cannot account for the sharp increase.
The rise in obesity persists despite a growing fitness culture in Bengaluru, which has seen an increase in gyms, running groups, and wellness communities. However, medical experts state that the proportion of residents who consistently maintain healthy diets and exercise routines remains small, often due to long working hours and lengthy daily commutes.
