Obesity, Affluence and Urbanisation in India

Based on data collected from a representative national sample, India Human Development
Survey 2005, this paper investigates the links between obesity among children and among
adults with a number of socio economic characteristics as well as household and location
specific variables. Both child and adult obesity are far from negligible, which is a matter of
concern, given the links between obesity and some diseases. There are strong links between
socio-economic indicators and risk of obesity. In particular, affluence has a robust link to
obesity. Among children, taller children in more affluent households are more prone to
obesity. Some demographic characteristics matter too, for example, both child and adult
obesity rise with age but at a diminishing rate. Location also influences chances of obesity.
Relative food price effects matter too through calorie, protein, fat and other nutrient intakes.
A number of policy conclusions are also advanced.