Over 60% women in Telangana suffer from anemia

Hyderabad: According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), around 33% of children under five in Telangana are stunted, while nearly 60% of women suffer from anemia.

The findings reflect the state’s ongoing nutrition crisis, highlighting both undernutrition among children and micronutrient deficiencies among women.

NFHS-5, conducted between 2019 and 2021, is India’s largest household survey on health and nutrition, providing critical data for policy and planning.

Against this backdrop, India is observing National Nutrition Week (NNW) from September 1–7, 2025, with the theme “Eat Right for Better Life.” Experts say this year’s campaign is a timely reminder of the urgent need to address nutritional gaps across age groups and income levels.

Why Nutrition Matters

Nutrition is the foundation of health and development, influencing growth, immunity, and cognitive performance. A balanced diet should include:

• Carbohydrates for energy

• Proteins for growth and tissue repair

• Healthy fats for brain development and energy reserves

• Vitamins and minerals for the regulation of body processes

• Fiber and water for digestion and hydration

“When these nutrients are lacking or imbalanced, health problems arise,” said Dr. Sasikala Thota, Head of the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Renova Century Hospitals, Hyderabad.

“Undernutrition leads to stunting, anemia, low immunity, and poor learning in children, while overnutrition results in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.”

India’s Double Burden of Malnutrition

India is simultaneously grappling with undernutrition and rising obesity, a trend often described as the double burden of malnutrition. NFHS-5 data shows:

• 35.5% of children under five nationally are stunted

• 19.3% are wasted (low weight for height)

• Over 57% of women and 67% of children under five are anemic

• Urban centers are seeing rapid increases in obesity and related lifestyle diseases

Experts point out that while rural children struggle with chronic malnutrition, city populations are consuming excessive amounts of processed and high-calorie foods.

Telangana’s Nutrition Landscape

Telangana mirrors this national picture, with high levels of childhood stunting and maternal anemia. State health officials have tied these outcomes to a combination of factors: limited dietary diversity, poor awareness about nutrition, and high consumption of polished rice and refined foods.

To address the challenge, Telangana has integrated with national programs such as:

• Poshan Abhiyaan: Targeting children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through Anganwadi centers

• Food fortification initiatives: Including fortified rice in the Public Distribution System (PDS)

• Mid-day Meal Scheme: Providing schoolchildren with free cooked meals, increasingly incorporating millets and vegetables

• Community-based events during Poshan Maah (September): Nutrition awareness drives, growth monitoring, and health camps

Significance of the 2025 Theme

The campaign theme “Eat Right for Better Life” stresses the importance of everyday food choices in preventing disease and ensuring long-term health. Experts recommend:

• Choosing seasonal, local produce over packaged and processed food

• Incorporating millets, pulses, and vegetables for nutrient diversity

• Reducing excess intake of sugar, salt, and oil

• Practicing food safety and hygiene while preparing meals

• Following portion control to prevent weight-related issues

“This theme also complements national initiatives such as food fortification, school meal programs, and Poshan Abhiyaan, which aim to combat both undernutrition and hidden hunger,” noted Thota.

Nutrition Needs Across Life Stages

Nutrition priorities differ by age:

• Infants and young children: Breastfeeding, protein-rich diets, and iron intake are critical

• Adolescents: Require calcium and iron for growth and development

• Women: Need balanced diets during pregnancy and lactation to prevent maternal and child malnutrition

• Elderly: Benefit from high-fiber diets, adequate protein, and calcium to support digestion and bone health

Role of Families, Schools, and Workplaces

Nutrition awareness extends beyond hospitals and health centers.

• Families should encourage balanced home-cooked meals.

• Schools must provide nutritious mid-day meals and encourage physical activity.

• Workplaces can promote wellness by offering healthier cafeteria options and organizing health check-ups.

Practical Nutrition Tips

Dr. Thota recommends simple lifestyle adjustments:

• Begin the day with a wholesome breakfast

• Add at least one fruit or vegetable to every meal

• Replace sugary drinks with water, buttermilk, or lemon water

• Prefer whole grains and millets over refined cereals

• Offer nutrient-rich snacks like sprouts, nuts, or boiled corn to children and the elderly

Global Context

Globally, malnutrition in all its forms affects over 2 billion people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Poor diets are now considered a leading risk factor for premature death and disease, ahead of tobacco and alcohol.

India’s large-scale interventions, such as food fortification, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Poshan Abhiyaan, are being closely studied worldwide as examples of tackling nutrition challenges at scale.

Conclusion

National Nutrition Week 2025 comes at a time when both Telangana and India face pressing nutrition challenges.

“By following the message ‘Eat Right for Be

tter Life,’ we can reduce the burden of malnutrition, protect against lifestyle diseases, and build a healthier and more productive nation. After all, a nourished India is the foundation of a stronger India,” said Thota.

As NFHS-5 data shows, addressing nutrition is not optional; it is essential for the country’s social and economic progress.