Diabetes, obesity rates remain high among Uttarakhand adults: NFHS-6

Dehradun: Despite the common perception that hill populations are generally fitter and less prone to lifestyle diseases, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6 has highlighted a significant burden of diabetes and obesity among adults in Uttarakhand.

According to the survey, elevated blood sugar levels were reported in 18.1% of women and 21.4% of men in the state, compared with the national prevalence of 17.8% among women and 20.9% among men.

The survey also showed a high prevalence of obesity. Among women in Uttarakhand, obesity stood at 34.3%, while among men it was 26.5%. The corresponding national figures were 30.7% and 27.3%, respectively.

Health experts said the findings underscore the need for greater attention to adult health to prevent a growing burden of illness among the elderly population.

Senior doctors from the department of medical health and family welfare attributed the trend partly to changing lifestyles in hill regions.

“In the hills, people have either taken up govt jobs or migrated in search of better employment opportunities. In many cases, families now hire labourers for physical work that they once performed themselves. As a result, sedentary lifestyles have become increasingly common. Lifestyle diseases are no longer confined to affluent sections of society. Dietary patterns, eating habits and lifestyle habits among mountain communities have also changed, and the impact is now clearly visible,” they said.

Kavita Rawat, community health officer at the Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Shamshergarh, Doiwala, said older patients often struggle to accept a diagnosis of diabetes.

“People above the age of 50 who are diagnosed with diabetes often remain in denial unless the disease begins affecting their organs. Younger individuals are generally more willing to adopt lifestyle changes and adhere to medication. Acceptance of long-term treatment among elderly patients remains low, as many continue to fear side effects, resulting in poor compliance,” she said.

While diabetes and obesity levels remained high, the survey recorded improvement in hypertension indicators. Among women aged over 15 years, the proportion with elevated blood pressure or taking medication to control it declined from 22.9% to 14.5%. Among men, it fell from 31.8% to 18.3%. The corresponding national figures stood at 19.4% for women and 22.1% for men.