Obesity burden is steadily emerging as a public health concern, with 22.9 percent of adults classified as generally obese and a significantly higher 31.8 percent showing abdominal obesity, according to recent parliamentary data.
This means nearly one in five adults in the state is obese by body mass index (BMI) standards, while almost one in three carries excess abdominal fat a key risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
While Karnataka’s general obesity rate remains lower than high-burden states such as Kerala at 43.6 percent and Delhi at 41.8 percent, its abdominal obesity levels are considerably higher than several large states, including Maharashtra at 18.7 percent and Gujarat at 28.4 percent.
Doctors say abdominal obesity is a more serious indicator than overall body weight. “Abdominal fat is metabolically active and directly linked to insulin resistance, hypertension and cardiovascular disease,” said A K Murthy, a senior endocrinologist at a leading Bengaluru hospital. “When 31.8 percent of adults show central obesity, it signals a silent build-up of lifestyle-related disorders.”
Cardiologists point out that rapid urbanisation is a major contributor to the rising numbers. Nithish D, a cardiologist, said cities like Bengaluru promote sedentary lifestyles. “Long work hours, extended commutes and growing dependence on processed food are key factors. Even individuals with normal body weight are presenting with high waist circumference,” he said.
Public health experts believe the prevalence may be higher in metropolitan pockets. One specialist noted that Karnataka’s overall figures reflect both rural and urban populations. “If we isolate urban centres, especially Bengaluru, the prevalence could be significantly higher,” he said.
He added that obesity is no longer confined to affluent groups. “Cheap calorie-dense food, limited physical activity and changing lifestyles are affecting younger populations across income categories,” he said.
Doctors stress that early screening can help curb the growing burden. “Waist measurement should become as routine as checking blood pressure,” said a preventive medicine expert. “If identified early, lifestyle changes can reverse central obesity before it progresses to diabetes or heart disease.”
Experts say the state must prioritise awareness campaigns, workplace fitness initiatives and school-based nutrition programmes to reduce the risk of a larger non-communicable disease burden in the coming years.
