Women of higher socio-economic status are more likely to be overweight in Karnataka, India

This study explores differences in body mass index (BMI), diet, and lifestyle between women of varying socio-economic status in Karnataka, India, using data from the National Family Health Survey 2 (n=4374), in-depth interviews (n=20) and six focus group discussions (n=40) completed in Bangalore. Predictors of overweight (BMI ≥25kg/m2) were modelled using logistic regression. A content analysis of the qualitative data was undertaken to understand behavioural factors affecting overweight. Prevalence of undernutrition was high for rural women (48%) and for overweight, prevalence was high in large urban areas (44%). In Bangalore knowledge of unhealthy foods was higher for richer women, although their diet and activity levels were less healthy than poorer women, who did not have the resources to purchase less healthy diets. Although some knowledge of the need for activity and healthy diets exists for wealthier Bangalore women, this does not translate into healthy behaviour, suggesting a need for obesity prevention programmes.