Recent data from the Central government reveals troubling trend in India: nearly one in three women aged 15 to 49 is now classified as overweight or obese. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) indicates that this figure has climbed to 30.7% in 2023-24, a significant increase from the 24% reported in the previous survey, NFHS-5, conducted between 2019 and 2021. In contrast,the obesity rate among men in same age group has also risen,from 22.9% to 27.3%.
The rising incidence of obesity among women is raising alarms among health professionals, particularly concerning its implications for fertility and pregnancy. Experts are advocating for a focus on health interventions before conception,emphasizing that addressing health risks in both prospective parents could lead to better reproductive outcomes. Dr. Mamatha K.V.,principal and senior obstetrician at SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital in Udupi, Karnataka, highlights the importance of this preconception phase. She notes that traditional Ayurvedic practices have long recognized the significance of preparing for conception.
Dr. Mamatha explains that the Ayurvedic concept of garbhadana samskara involves a regimen designed to prepare both parents physically and mentally for conception. This approach is now being formalized into structured programs at her institution, which has been providing preconception counseling to couples across South India. The aim is to promote a healthier lifestyle and identify potential health risks before pregnancy.
“This conscious preparation for conception includes assessing the health of both partners,” Dr . Mamatha states . “We provide guidance on diet, lifestyle,and other factors that can influence reproductive health.” Preconception consultations serve as a crucial opportunity to identify risks,review medications, and address nutritional deficiencies.
In Ayurveda, conception is viewed through four essential factors: ritu (the appropriate fertile period), kshetra (a healthy reproductive tract),beeja (healthy sperm and ovum),and ambu (adequate nourishment). Shreyashri Suvarna, a physician at the same hospital,elaborates that interventions are tailored around these factors, incorporating dietary changes, lifestyle modifications,and, when appropriate, traditional therapies. She emphasizes that these interventions must be individualized and clinically supervised to ensure effectiveness.
As obesity rates continue to rise, particularly among women in regions like South India, Delhi, and Punjab,the call for community and lifecycle-oriented care becomes increasingly urgent. Health practitioners are recognizing that proactive measures can significantly impact reproductive health and overall well-being.
