Why India's growing obesity problem is also a fertility issue

India's health story has changed dramatically in the past two decades. What was once a country battling undernutrition is now struggling with its opposite. Obesity has slowly become one of India's biggest public health concerns, and its effects go further than most realise. Among them lies a growing impact on fertility.

- DR MUSKAAN CHHABRA

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WEIGHT AND REPRODUCTION

According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), about one in four Indian adults is now overweight or obese. This rise is seen across age groups, but the spike among women of childbearing age is especially worrying. This reflects a broader lifestyle shift - one with less physical activity, more processed food, and long hours spent seated. Weight is not just a cosmetic concern anymore - today, it affects the body's most intricate systems, including the reproductive system.

In women, excess fat tissue can disturb hormonal balance. The body begins producing more oestrogen, which can lead to interference with normal ovulation. That's one reason why obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often appear together. Both conditions disrupt ovulation and can delay or prevent conception.