Andhra Pradesh health crisis: Nearly half of adults overweight, Minister reveals
In a stark revelation at a state-level conference on obesity and metabolic health, Andhra Pradesh's Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced that nearly one in two adults in the state is overweight. The minister attributed this alarming trend to changing lifestyles, reduced physical activity, and unhealthy dietary habits.
Speaking at the event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Vijayawada on Thursday, Yadav cited data from the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), which shows that 47.9% of women and 44.4% of men in Andhra Pradesh are overweight. This translates to approximately half of the adult population grappling with weight-related health issues.
The Minister highlighted key contributors to the growing obesity burden, including excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, work-related stress, and increased screen time. He stressed that obesity is no longer a cosmetic concern but a serious public health challenge requiring immediate intervention.
To address this issue, a joint task force comprising officials from the departments of Health, Education, Sports, and Women and Child Welfare will be constituted. The task force will formulate a comprehensive action plan based on recommendations from the conference, which will be submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for approval.
Yadav also announced measures to strengthen the Food Safety Department to ensure access to quality and nutritious food for citizens. Special attention will be given to children through the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, which includes monitoring height and weight and early detection of metabolic problems.
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu echoed the Minister's concerns, emphasising the need to reduce screen dependence and promote physical activity. He called for a shift from a treatment-centric approach to one focused on prevention and overall wellness.
The conference marks a critical step in Andhra Pradesh's public health strategy, aiming to tackle obesity through multi-sectoral collaboration and evidence-based policies. With obesity rates soaring across the state, the government's proactive approach signals a commitment to curbing this epidemic before it overwhelms the healthcare system.
Health experts attending the conference welcomed the initiative but emphasised the need for sustained public awareness campaigns and community-level interventions. They noted that addressing obesity requires not only policy changes but also a cultural shift towards healthier lifestyles, beginning in schools and households.
