2077-LB: Regional Differences in Obesity Awareness, Prevalence, and Management in India

Introduction & Objective: India is a large country that can be broadly categorized into regions based on geography with diverse lifestyle and cultural habits. The current observational study explores the disparities in the prevalence of metabolic disturbances and the role of lifestyle habits across regions.

Methods: A nationwide survey conducted via social media and awareness events assessed for sociodemographic nuances and health patterns among participants based on their region.

Results: The survey included 60,325 participants distributed between east, E (N=8736), west, W (N=17387), north, N (N=12694), south, S (N=19018) and central, C (N=2282). The majority (40-42%) were between 30-60 years of age in all groups. Overall male-to-female ratio was 1.9 but was a slightly higher in the central (2.18) and Northern (2.03) regions. Higher proportion of master’s degree holders resided in the North (40.4%), Central (38%), East (38%) than other regions (31-33%). Obesity was highest among the central region (67.3%) and lowest in the west (65.2%). The survey underscored regional variations in chronic diseases: Diabetes (E-45.5%, W-51.9%), N-48.1%, S-54.3%, C-53.1%); High BP (E-43.3%, W-41.4%, N-42.3%, S-40%, C-45.9%); high cholesterol (E-27.3%, W-21.7%, N-26.1%, S-22.9%, C-28.2%). South reported the highest prevalence of diabetes (54.3%), and East, the highest prevalence of high blood pressure (45.9%). South had the highest proportion of screentime spent (18% vs 12-15% other regions) and eating out (22.7% vs 13-16% other regions). Respondents from Central (72%) followed by South (57.2%) were inclined to exercise. Higher proportion of respondents from Central (42%) were willing to receive weight loss related information compared to others (14-21%).

Conclusion: This study contributes to a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between geography, sociodemographic, and health behaviours in India.