Punjab Tops North India in Women obesity, Men stand Second
Harsehajveer Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ May 30,2026
Punjab has topped North India in women obesity with 44.7% according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6 (2023-24) released on Friday. Among men, Punjab ranks second with an obesity rate of 37.5% , behind Chandigarh which reports the highest level at 48.5%.
However, the National average of obesity among women stands at 30.7% and those among men at 27.3%.
In comparison, NFHS-5 (2019–21) data showed that Punjab recorded an obesity rate of 32.3% among men and 40.8% among women, indicating an upward trend over the survey periods.
*All numbers are expressed in terms of percentages
What is Obesity?
The World Health Organization (WHO)defines obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses health risks, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or above classified as overweight and 30 or above as obese.
Obesity has become a major public health challenge in India, affecting people across all age groups and increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
Key Reasons for Rising obesity:
- Shift towards Processed Foods like ready to eat meals.
- High- calorie and Low Nutritional diets: Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats.
- Growing culture of Eating out: Frequent dining at restaurants, hotels where food is cooked in unhealthy oils.
- Physical inactivity: Long hours of sitting , increasing usage of mobile phones and declining engagement in outdoor activities and sports.
- Sleep and Stress Issues: Poor sleep patterns and chronic stress can contribute to weight gain through hormonal changes and unhealthy eating habits.
Initiatives taken to reduce Obesity:
- Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan : An annual, state-wide sports festival launched by Bhagwant Mann- led AAP government to promote a robust sporting culture, Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan initiative spans across various age brackets to ensure maximum inclusivity. Categories generally include Under-14, Under-17, Under-21, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, 40-50 years, and categories for those above 50. Para-sportspersons are also encouraged to participate.
- CM Di Yogshala: Another initiative launched by the Punjab government to help yoga reach door to door and to transform it into a mass movement by facilitating yoga instructors to the public. The initiative not only helps to improve the physical and mental health of citizens but also provides employment oppurtunities to many.
- Eat Right Movement: Launched in July , 2018 by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the initiative focuses on promoting a culture of safe, healthy and sustainable food processes.
- Aam Aadmi Clinics : It provides free primary healthcare, basic diagnostic services, and screening for lifestyle-related conditions, helping identify obesity-linked risks at primary
With Punjab topping North India in women’s obesity and ranking second among men, the data of NFHS-6 serves as a reminder of the state’s evolving health landscape. Addressing obesity will require a collective , coordinated and co-operative action from policymakers, healthcare providers, educational institutions to implement the policies and schemes at the grass root level and to create more awareness among the citizens to adopt a more healthier lifestyle .
