Obesity in Jammu provence.

Obesity in Jammu: A Growing Health Crisis

Incidence/Prevalence:

Adults: ~41.7% of adults in Jammu are obese; 62.7% have abdominal obesity (ICMR-INDIAB 2024).

Men (15–49 yrs): 31.6% overweight/obese (NFHS-5).

Women (15–49 yrs): 29.3% overweight/obese (NFHS-5).

Trend: Male obesity is rising rapidly; women’s rates remain high and stable.

Causes:

Unhealthy, high-calorie diets and junk food consumption.

Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity.

Genetic predisposition, hormonal disorders (thyroid, insulin resistance).

Stress, emotional eating, poor sleep.

Urbanization, easy access to processed foods, and lack of exercise spaces.

Certain medications and chronic illnesses.

Medical Complications:

Metabolic: Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol.

Cardiovascular: Hypertension, heart disease, stroke.

Respiratory: Sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation, asthma.

Musculoskeletal: Osteoarthritis, back and joint problems.

Liver & GI: Fatty liver disease, gallstones, reflux.

Reproductive: PCOS, infertility, pregnancy complications.

Cancer: Increased risk of several cancers (breast, colon, endometrial).

Psychological: Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem.

Conclusion:

Obesity in Jammu Province is alarmingly high, driven by lifestyle, environmental, and biological factors, and is leading to severe health consequences, including diabetes, heart disease, and premature death. Immediate prevention and management strategies are essential.