INDIA’S YOUTH VS OBESITY: THE 20-40 AGE GROUP IN DANGER

Marked every year on 4 March, World Obesity Day reminds us that obesity is not simply a lifestyle concern but a serious, chronic medical condition that needs timely action.

- TDG NETWORK

In 2026, special attention is on young adults — especially those aged 20 to 40 — as India is seeing a steady and alarming rise in weight-related problems within this key working and reproductive age group.Worldwide, over 1 billion people are living with obesity, as estimated by the World Health Organization. In India, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) found that about 24% of women and 23% of men are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher among urban youth, largely due to desk-bound work, frequent consumption of processed foods, inadequate sleep, and growing stress levels.

Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Director of Robotic, Bariatric, Laparoscopic and General Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, and Founder of Shalya Clinic, Rohini, notes a clear change in his clinical experience “A decade ago, bariatric surgery was mostly considered by patients in their late 40s or 50s. Now, I regularly meet individuals in their late 20s and early 30salready struggling with severe obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, and high blood pressure. This trend is deeply concerning.”

1.No Physical activityMost young professionals today spend 8-12 hours sitting — at a desk, in a car, or on a screen. Physical activity has almost disappeared from people's daily routine.