According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), 24% of women and 23% of men in India are overweight or obese. Poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors are major contributors to this rising health challenge. Increased intake of processed foods, reduced physical activity, and lifestyle changes are driving the crisis in both urban and rural areas.
Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare offers financial and technical assistance to States and Union Territories. The programme focuses on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, training human resources, enabling early diagnosis, ensuring referrals and treatment, and promoting public awareness, including efforts to address obesity.
Key government activities for healthy living under NP-NCD include:
Wellness promotion through Ayushman Aarogya Mandir (AAM) and community-based health initiatives.
Yoga-related programmes organized by the Ministry of AYUSH.
Awareness generation (IEC) via print, electronic, and social media campaigns.
Health Melas at AAM to promote healthy lifestyle habits.
School-based counselling under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram to reduce sugar and oil intake.
Peer educator training and adolescent health counselling under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram.
Community engagement via Mahila Arogya Samitis and Jan Arogya Samitis through events, meetings, and home visits.
Population-based screening at over 1.77 lakh AAM using the Community-Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) for individuals aged 30 years and above, including waist circumference measurement for early obesity detection.
Awareness campaigns under IEC and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) encourage healthy lifestyles, early diagnosis, and diabetes prevention. States and UTs receive financial support under NHM for local awareness activities, aligned with their Programme Implementation Plans. National and international observance days are used to amplify these messages.
Supporting initiatives include:
Eat Right India and Aaj Se Thoda Kum campaigns by FSSAI to promote healthy eating.
Fit India Movement and Khelo India by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to encourage physical activity.
Yoga-based wellness programmes by the Ministry of AYUSH.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health implements the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) strategy under NHM, addressing women’s nutrition and obesity across the country.