Nutritional challenges and health status of women in India: A focus on the socio-economic and regional dynamics of Odisha

Abstract

The nutritional and health status of women in India remains a critical public health concern, characterized by a complex "dual burden" of persistent under nutrition and rising over nutrition.While India has made significant strides in maternal healthcare, systemic gaps driven by socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and regional inequities continue to hinder progress.This abstract examines these challenges with a specific focus on Odisha, a state that reflects both the vulnerabilities of marginalized populations and the impact of targeted policy interventions.National data (NFHS-5) indicates that over 57% of Indian women suffer from anemia, with rates even higher in several eastern states.In Odisha, the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age remains alarmingly high, often exceeding 64% in tribal and rural pockets.Chronic energy deficiency, reflected in low Body Mass Index (BMI), affects nearly onefifth of the female population in the state, primarily due to poor dietary diversity and the "last-to-eat" cultural practice.Conversely, urban centers in Odisha are witnessing a surge in obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes, signaling a shifting health landscape.Improving women's health in Odisha requires a multi-sectorial approach that goes beyond clinical interventions.Future strategies must prioritize gender-sensitive food systems, enhanced female literacy, and the economic empowerment of rural women to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.Strengthening the convergence between the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the National Health Mission is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of "Zero Hunger" and ensuring equitable health outcomes for all women in the state.