Kerala tops India in abdominal obesity at 58.2%: Study

Thrissur: Kerala has the highest prevalence of abdominal obesity (potbelly) in the country, according to a 12-year joint study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Diabetes.

The survey found that 58.2 per cent of people in Kerala have abdominal obesity. Punjab ranked second with 57.2 per cent, followed by Haryana at 56.9 per cent.

Kerala is also among the leading regions in overall obesity. Puducherry topped the list with 45.9 per cent, while Kerala recorded 43.6 per cent. Delhi stood third at 41.8 per cent. The national average is 39.5 per cent for abdominal obesity and 28.6 per cent for general obesity.

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Abdominal obesity is defined as a waist circumference exceeding 90 cm (35 inches) in men and 80 cm (31 inches) in women.

Kerala also reported the highest rate of obesity among married couples, with 51.3 per cent of married individuals found to be overweight. Modern medicine considers obesity a disease.

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The Union Health Ministry, in a report tabled in Parliament, warned that rising obesity and abdominal fat levels could lead to increased health risks in the future.

Unhealthy dietary habits, lack of physical activity and sedentary work patterns were identified as the primary factors contributing to obesity and excess abdominal fat.