The Double Burden of Malnutrition in Bangalore, India

Abstract

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM), i.e., coexistence of under- and overnutrition, is an emerging issue in most of the low- and middle-income countries of the world. Using field survey data conducted in and around the city of Bangalore, India in 2018, we examine the patterns of DBM among women, young children (0-6 years), older children (7-18 years), and intrahousehold DBM between mothers and children. A unique aspect of the survey is that it is conducted in an area undergoing rapid urbanization, which is one of the factors responsible for DBM and can inform on the future of DBM in India. Compared to undernutrition, the prevalence of overnutrition is much higher in our study area. We find that, like other developing countries, the socioeconomic distance in prevalence of under- and overnutrition among women has decreased over time. Additionally, overnutrition among women is no longer an urban phenomenon. Similar trends were observed for older children. For younger children, on the other hand, the socioeconomic and locational differences persist, suggesting that this age group is not witnessing nutrition transition yet. The intrahousehold burden of DBM has also increased over time and the risk increases with maternal education. Although under- and overnutrition are opposite in nature, both have several common drivers, suggesting that an integrated approach might work better in tackling DBM. Several existing programs in India, such as ICDS, PDS, and the school meal program, provide excellent infrastructure to roll out policies and interventions, especially diet-based programs, aimed at both under- and overnutrition.