Tribal Diets Shift: A Rising Weight Problem in Odisha

In Odisha, many tribal adults are gaining weight faster than expected. A recent survey looked at nearly 18, 000 people from over 8, 400 households in 13 districts. Researchers used a body‑mass index cut‑off of 23 to decide who is overweight or obese. They found that about one in five adults falls into this category, and nearly ten percent of households have every adult weighing above the limit.The problem is not spread evenly. Some districts, like Balasore and Rayagada, show a high rate of weight gain, while places such as Koraput see fewer cases. Most of the variation comes from household factors—about 19% of differences are linked to living conditions, with smaller roles played by local communities and broader district trends. Wealth also matters. Richer families are more likely to have members who are overweight or obese. Being married, male, not belonging to the PVTG group, and living near towns all add to this inequality. The shift toward modern foods and less active lifestyles is eroding traditional habits, raising the risk of heart disease and other long‑term health problems.