A recent analysis of data from the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) and city-specific studies reveals that Lucknow has a significantly higher prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure compared to the overall Uttar Pradesh average.
State-Level Data from NFHS-6
According to NFHS-6, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women in Uttar Pradesh stands at 26.5%, while for men it is 22.2%. The share of women with high blood sugar or those undergoing treatment is 16.5%, compared to 18.4% among men. High blood pressure follows a similar trend, affecting 21.4% of women and 26.1% of men in the state.
City-Specific Studies Show Higher Burden
Research focused on Lucknow indicates that the burden of these diseases in urban areas is higher than the state averages. A study conducted by researchers from King George's Medical University (KGMU) and the Health Systems Transformation Platform found that one in three adults above 30 years of age (33%) has high blood pressure, and nearly one in five (20%) has diabetes. The study also reported that 43% of diabetes patients had high blood pressure, describing these conditions as "twin epidemics."
District health officials noted that a 2021 survey of women visiting district hospitals found that 35% of those screened were overweight or obese. However, no similar study is available for men in the city.
Factors Contributing to Rising Lifestyle Diseases
Experts attribute the high prevalence of lifestyle diseases in Lucknow to work stress, pollution, and sleep deprivation caused by nightlife and increased screen exposure. Additionally, higher awareness in urban areas leads to increased detection of such conditions. Doctors report that with each passing year, cases of fatty liver, diabetes, and high blood pressure are on the rise. They observe that among 100 patients seen by a physician, approximately 70 present with these conditions.
Prof. KK Sawlani from the medicine department at KGMU stated, "Being a capital city, Lucknow has a large population working in private and government offices. Long sitting hours, stress, increased screen time, poor sleep, and low physical activity are contributing to the rise in lifestyle diseases."
Former head of the physiology department at KGMU, Prof. Nar Singh Verma, added, "Air pollution and easy availability of processed food high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and salt are increasing diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Pollutants narrow blood vessels, while unhealthy food raises fat, sugar, and fluid retention in the body, putting pressure on the heart, kidneys, and liver." He further noted, "Better awareness and screening in cities are also helping detect more cases, while many remain undiagnosed in rural areas."
Gastroenterologist Dr. Puneet Mehrotra warned, "If this trend continues, cases of heart disease, kidney disease, and other lifestyle disorders may rise further, especially among younger people."
