Indicator NFHS-6 (2023–24) (%) NFHS-5 (2019–21) (%) NFHS-4 (2015–16) (%) NFHS-6 vs NFHS-5 Relative Change NFHS-6 vs NFHS-4 Relative Change Children under 5 years who are overweight (weight-for-height) 1.3 3.4 2.1 ↓ 61.8% ↓ 38.1% MAKE TABLE AND INTERPRETE IN 2 POINTS
Table: Prevalence of Overweight in Children Under 5 Years (Weight-for-Height)
| Indicator | NFHS-6 (2023–24) | NFHS-5 (2019–21) | NFHS-4 (2015–16) | NFHS-6 vs NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 vs NFHS-4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children under 5 years who are overweight (weight-for-height) | 1.3% | 3.4% | 2.1% | ↓ 61.8% | ↓ 38.1% |
Interpretation:
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Sharp decline from NFHS-5 to NFHS-6: The prevalence of overweight among children under 5 dropped markedly from 3.4% (2019-21) to 1.3% (2023-24), a relative reduction of 61.8%. This suggests significant improvement in child nutrition and feeding practices over the most recent survey period, though the spike seen in NFHS-5 may partly reflect disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic affecting dietary patterns.
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Overall downward trend since NFHS-4: Compared to the 2015-16 baseline of 2.1%, the 2023-24 figure of 1.3% represents a 38.1% relative decline, indicating a positive long-term trend in reducing childhood overweight in India. However, even at 1.3%, the burden is not negligible, and continued monitoring is warranted given that childhood overweight is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases later in life.
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