Linkage of malnutrition and obesity in India

Source-This post on Linkage of malnutrition and obesity in India has been created based on the article “How malnutrition and obesity are linked in India” published in “The Indian Express” on 7 March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

News-The article highlights the significance of investing in adolescent girls and young women health to minimize possibilities of obesity and diabetes in future.

What is obesity and how is it measured?

Obesity- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that poses health risks.

It is measured in following ways-

1. Adults over the age of 20 years
   Obese- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more.
   Underweight- Body Mass Index (BMI) is less than 18 kg/m2.

NOTE- BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.

Read more- Obesity in India

How are malnutrition and obesity linked in India?

1)Deposition of fat- Indians deposit most fat in and around the abdomen. The highest glucose levels were found in individuals having the lowest BMI and the highest waist measurement. Indians have low BMI and high glucose-insulin metabolism. This increases their vulnerability to obesity and diabetes.

2) Intrauterine Programming-This can be defined as the impact of malnutrition on babies when they are still in the mother’s womb. This alters the structure and function of the developing organs, reducing their capacity to cope with stress. For ex-overnutrition, inactivity, psycho-social stress, migration etc.

3) Role of blood chemistry– The blood chemistry of an Indian newborn may indicate future risk of diabetes. Due to lack of adequate and balanced nutrition from the mother, there is  reduction in the deposition of protein-rich tissues. Many of these mothers also suffer from “gestational diabetes” which adds to the baby’s fat and increases the chances of obesity and diabetes.

What should be the way forward?

There is a need to improve maternal health, nutrition, and metabolism. This will ensure that the babies born will be more resilient and enjoy a healthy life.

Question for practice

How are maternal health and vulnerability to obesity linked in India?