Trends in body mass index, nutrient intake and nutritional status of rural adults in India: National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau survey findings (1975–2012)

Abstract

Background: Overweight/obesity has increased to an epidemic proportion throughout the globe and is an important risk factor for many non-communicable diseases. Globally, 2.5 billion people were overweight/obese and 890 million were obese in 2022. Methods: A community based cross-sectional surveys carried out in 10 Indian states by National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau during 1975-79, 1996-97, and 2010-12 was used. In each state, 120 villages and 20 households per village were covered. A total 49,064, 30,740, and 56,235 subjects aged ≥ 18 years were covered and information on the household’s socio-demographic characteristics and height (cm) and weight (kg) measurements were carried out. Associations between overweight/obesity and socio-demographic variables were tested using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) has increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 18.4 kg/m2 (95% CI: 18.3–18.4) in 1975-79 to 20.2 kg/m2 (95% CI: 20.1–20.2) in 2010-12 among men and from 18.7 kg/m2 (95% CI: 18.66–18.73) to 20.5 kg/m2 (95% CI: 20.46–20.54) among women. The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency has significantly (p < 0.001) declined from 59.1% (CI = 58.5–59.7) and 52.4% (CI = 51.7–53) among men & women in 1975-79 to 35% during 2010-12, while overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25) has increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 2 to 10% and from 3 to 13% among men and women respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of overweight/obesity was lower among 18–34 years, among Scheduled caste and Scheduled tribe, those living in kutcha houses, among nuclear families, among illiterates and labourers. Conclusions: BMI and overweight/obesity has increased over the periods and are associated with gender, community, education status, and increased fats and oil intakes. The Government of India’s initiative like Fit India Movement, NP-NCD, Eat Right, Khelo India, along with strengthening of information, education & communication (IEC) and Health & Nutrition Education will promote healthier lifestyles, better nutrition, physical activities and thus reducing the problem of overweight/obesity.