Transition of obesity in India, 2006–2021: a state-wise investigation from an equity perspective

Despite its ubiquitous growth, obesity was (2006) and remains (2021) concentrated among the rich in every state, though states are at varying stages of obesity transition. While none have experienced reversal of the economic gradient, green shoots of reversal are evident in affluent states through weakening of their economic gradients, while gradients intensified in poorer ones. These findings underscore the need for nuanced, state-specific strategies to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare resources to address rising obesity and NCD epidemic, without neglecting the unfinished agenda of communicable diseases.