Understanding the dynamics of malnutrition dichotomy in India: Trends and insights from the National Family Health Surveys

Purpose

India is confronted with a multifaceted malnutrition landscape, characterized by the coexistence of stunting, underweight, and escalating overweight and obesity rates. Current programs predominantly target undernutrition, overlooking the surging prevalence of overweight and obesity. These trends carry substantial economic ramifications, with obesity-related costs expected to rise significantly. Addressing these challenges requires enhanced policy execution and strategic collaboration. This article seeks to help overcome policy inertia in addressing the other end of the malnutrition spectrum—overnutrition.

Methods

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS), a large-scale survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, provides high-quality data on population dynamics and health indicators. Data for relevant health indicators were extracted from NFHS-3 to NFHS-5 to identify trends and shifting paradigms in malnutrition profiles. Data from the latest NFHS (NFHS-5) were briefly analyzed to highlight the malnutrition dichotomy and perform linear regression analysis.

Results

The data revealed a declining trend in stunting and underweight prevalence alongside a rise in overweight prevalence. Linear regression analyses on NFHS-5 data showed a positive association between literacy and obesity in both men and women. The findings also indicated that children fed with minimum dietary diversity were more likely to be overweight, and revealed a significant association between elevated random blood glucose levels and obesity in women.

Conclusions

By implementing the necessary interventions and strategies, India can establish a holistic approach to addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition effectively, thus contributing to Sustainable Development Goal-2 and paving the way for a healthier and more productive future for India's population.