Indians Seek Weight Help Actively But Miss Diabetes, Heart Risk Links: Ipsos

• Ipsos survey on World Obesity Day 2026 reveals Indians with obesity are more proactive in seeking medical advice and trying weight-loss solutions than global peers.
• Despite high engagement, awareness of serious health risks like type 2 diabetes (37%) and heart disease (39%) is significantly lower than global averages.
• The study highlights an "obesity paradox" in India: actions are driven by self-blame and perceived stigma, not a full understanding of health implications.
• High self-blame (61% believe preventable by personal choices) and social pressure (50% feel self-conscious) contribute to avoidance behaviors in 82% of individuals.
• Experts emphasize reframing obesity as a complex chronic disease, not a personal failing, to improve understanding and reduce stigma.