India Ranks 2nd Globally in Childhood Obesity: Report

India now has the second-highest number of children living with obesity or overweight in the world, according to a new report released on World Obesity Day 2026.

The World Obesity Atlas 2026, published by the World Obesity Federation, states that more than 41 million Indian children aged between 5 and 19 fall into the overweight or obese category. Only China has a higher number.

Rising numbers among children and adolescents

The report highlights a growing public health concern in India. As of 2025, around 41.32 million young people aged 5–19 in the country were classified as overweight or obese.

This includes approximately:

• 14.92 million children aged 5–9

• 26.40 million adolescents aged 10–19

Experts warn that the rate of childhood obesity in India is rising quickly, with the report indicating an average annual increase of about 5 percent.

A changing public health challenge

India has traditionally focused on addressing undernutrition, but experts say the country now faces a “double burden” of both undernutrition and increasing obesity levels.

Health researchers note that the rapid shift in lifestyle and dietary habits is contributing to the rise in obesity among children and teenagers.

Health risks linked to childhood obesity

According to the report, excess weight during childhood can lead to several health complications later in life.

The Atlas projects a possible increase in several health conditions among young people by 2040, including:

• Fatty liver disease (MASLD)

• High triglycerides

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar levels

These conditions are commonly associated with long-term cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Lifestyle and environmental factors

The report identifies several factors contributing to the trend in India.

One major concern is the lack of physical activity. Around 74 percent of adolescents aged 11–17 reportedly do not meet recommended physical activity levels.

Other factors highlighted include increasing consumption of sugary drinks, limited access to regulated school meals, and early-life nutritional issues such as suboptimal breastfeeding.

Experts call for policy action

Officials from the World Obesity Federation say coordinated policy measures may help address the issue.

Suggested measures include improving access to healthy food, regulating marketing of unhealthy foods to children, encouraging physical activity, and strengthening primary healthcare screening for obesity.

Public health experts say early intervention and long-term policies will be important to slow the rising trend and reduce future health risks among younger populations.