Kerala turns tense, heavier and sicker as obesity, diabetes tighten grip

Kerala, often lauded for its advanced healthcare system and high human development indices, is facing an alarming surge in lifestyle diseases. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) has sounded a clear warning, revealing a significant rise in obesity, high blood sugar, and hypertension across both men and women in the state.

Obesity on the rise
The survey reveals a worrying trend in weight gain, particularly among women. Obesity or overweight rates among women aged 15 to 49 have surged to 46.7%, up from 38.2% recorded in the previous survey cycle. While the spike among men is less dramatic, the rate has still crept up from 36.4% to 37%, indicating that more than a third of the state's adult male population is now battling weight issues.

The diabetes and hypertension threat
Blood sugar levels are also rising sharply across the state. High blood sugar rates among women have risen from 13.1% to 16.7%, while for men, the figure has jumped from 13.8% to 18.9%. When factoring in those currently undergoing treatment for diabetes alongside those diagnosed with high blood sugar, the numbers paint a stark picture: 28.9% of women and 31.9% of men in Kerala are affected. Hypertension has emerged as another massive clinical concern, with 31.9% of women and 36.6% of men either living with high blood pressure or taking regular medication for it.

Surge in C-section deliveries
The NFHS-6 report also highlights a marked increase in Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries, which have risen from 38.9% to 41.3% overall. Interestingly, this trend is prominent across both sectors, with private hospitals recording a C-section rate of 42.5% and government healthcare facilities close behind at 39.3%.

An ageing demographic shift
Beyond immediate clinical metrics, Kerala's demographic makeup continues to undergo a profound transition. The population of individuals aged over 60 has risen from 18.6% to 20.7%, indicating a rapidly ageing society. Conversely, the share of the population under 15 has declined slightly from 20.6% to 20.3%. This shifting demographic, combined with the spike in non-communicable diseases, poses a dual challenge for the state’s healthcare infrastructure in the coming decades.