Obesity levels flagged by Health Department
Tamil Nadu’s Health and Family Welfare Department has warned that the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) could rise sharply over the next 10 years, citing high levels of overweight and obesity in the state.
Women more affected, survey data shows
According to National Family Health Survey findings referenced by the department, 44.2% of women and 38.8% of men in Tamil Nadu are affected by overweight and obesity. Officials said the trend is continuing upward.
NCDs already drive most deaths
Based on global disease-burden assessments, the department noted that about 75% of all deaths in Tamil Nadu are linked to NCDs. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory illnesses were listed among the major contributors.
Lifestyle factors and a warning for the next decade
Officials attributed the rise in obesity to changing diets, lack of physical activity and physical labour, and increased consumption of fast food, along with tobacco use and alcohol habits. If the situation persists, they cautioned that NCD cases could increase over the next decade and deaths due to NCDs could cross 80%.
How excess calories turn into risk
Public health doctor Farooq Abdullah said frequent intake of sweets, rice, wheat-based foods, bakery items and soft drinks can be stored as fat in the body. Such fat can accumulate not only around the abdomen but also in organs like the liver and pancreas, increasing the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease; he added that balanced diet, exercise, adequate sleep and mental well-being help maintain health.
