VISHAKHAPATNAM: The fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) found that a total of 36 per cent women and 31 per cent men are either obese or are overweight in Andhra Pradesh. However, the Body Mass Index (BMI), which gives a measure of body fat based on height and weight, is below normal in almost 15 per cent women and 16.5 per cent men. Around 49 per cent women and 53 per cent of men may have a high risk body-to-hip ratio.
The survey has increased the scope of clinical, anthropometric and biochemical testing to include the measurement of waist and hip circumferences. According to the statements of health experts, obesity helps in the increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
Experts suggest that activities such as dietary changes, cutting down on calories, physical activity, behavioral and lifestyle changes can help a lot in dealing with obesity. Most of the health indicators in NHFS-5 are available only at national and state level and not in district level.