Every fourth person in Gujarat is obese: Surat tops list, Ahmedabad next
Updated: Sep 17th, 2025
Obesity has emerged as a growing health concern in Gujarat, with official data showing that every fourth person in the state is overweight. According to reports, 23 out of 100 men and 20 out of 100 women in Gujarat are obese.
The state government has launched an 'Obesity-Free Campaign' after a surge in lifestyle-related diseases such as heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure among the youth. Officials said the initiative aims to help 10 lakh citizens lose 10 kilograms each through yoga programmes.
Experts note that obesity, often linked to junk food, sedentary routines, and irregular lifestyles, has quadrupled in Gujarat over the past three decades. Doctors warn that excess weight can lead to serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer.
Currently, an estimated 21.49 lakh Gujaratis aged 15-49 are obese. Medical professionals also report a 10% rise in the number of people seeking obesity treatment, with most patients in the 30-45 age group. Women reportedly outnumber men in opting for treatment.
District-wise Obesity rates in Gujarat
| District | Obese Men (%) | Obese Women (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Surat | 26.0% | 28.1% |
| Ahmedabad | 24.6% | 28.2% |
| Vadodara | 25.1% | 29.0% |
| Gandhinagar | 24.6% | 29.1% |
| Rajkot | 23.6% | 26.0% |
| Mehsana | 22.3% | 24.0% |
| Dahod | 13.0% | 19.3% |
| Dang | 12.0% | 14.3% |
Obesity is determined by the Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates weight in relation to height. Health experts urge citizens to monitor their BMI, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and adopt healthier lifestyles to curb the rising trend.
On Monday, The Gujarat State Yoga Board announced a large-scale initiative aimed at tackling obesity across the state. The campaign seeks to help 10 lakh citizens reduce 10 kilos each through yoga and lifestyle changes, amounting to a collective weight loss target of one crore kilos.
