Rise in obesity among adolescents in Odisha: Studies

Bhubaneswar: Obesity has increased in Odisha over the years with Cuttack reporting 10.5% obesity among adolescents while 31.6% are overweight, according to a scientific study. Similarly, in Bhubaneswar 23.7% young adolescents are obese and 18.7% are overweight, another study concluded.

A study by 5 researchers from the community medicine departments of SCB Medical College and Hospital (Cuttack), SLN MCH (Koraput) and Dharanidhar MCH (Keonjhar) found obesity was higher among boys (15.5%) than girls (3.2%). The Cuttack-based study, published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, reported significant associations between hypertension and factors such as body mass index (BMI), sleep duration, consumption of carbonated drinks, fast and processed food intake, academic stress and gadget use.


The researchers said obesity and hypertension are emerging health concerns among urban adolescents and key risk factors for cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases. They attributed the trend to sedentary lifestyles, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits.

The study recommended health education, screening, dietary and lifestyle changes, yoga, meditation, stress management and regular health check-ups in schools and communities to enable early detection and prevent chronic diseases later in life. The team, led by Dr Minarva Manjita Satapathy, assistant professor, community medicine, DD MCH, also recommended tobacco-free zones in and around schools, limits on screen time and greater promotion of outdoor games and sports. It suggested community awareness and preventive programmes across localities to address obesity.

In Bhubaneswar, a study by Smrutirekha Bal, R Asokan and Nibedita Mohanty from a private medical college and hospital reported obesity and overweight prevalence at 23.7% and 18.7%, respectively. Published on Springer Nature Link, the study said obesity and overweight were associated with factors, including age, duration of diabetes, family history of diabetes, junk food consumption, lifestyle, alcohol use and smoking.

Doctors said they are seeing a sharp rise in obesity-related cases. Dr Tapas Mishra, consultant in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery, said patient numbers increased nearly 3-fold after Covid-19. “We prescribe weight-loss medicines for people with obesity, while some overweight people opt for surgery. We are also getting patients from small towns. Many people stayed at home without physical activity, which contributed to weight gain,” he said.

Dr Satyajit Tripathy, a metabolism and diabetes expert, said obesity prevalence is high in India, including abdominal obesity. “Obesity among young people is increasing due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diet. Life expectancy is reduced due to obesity. It can be reversed with proper diet, physical activities and changed lifestyle,” he said.