Study links air pollution to preterm births, low birth weight in India
Published in PLoS Global Public Health, the study was carried out by researchers from institutions in India, Thailand, Ireland, and the UK, with data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) along with satellite data. The team assessed the influence of ambient air quality on birth outcomes, specifically preterm births (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). The dataset included children aged 0 to 5 years; 52% were female and 48% male.
The results suggest that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy significantly increases the likelihood of these adverse outcomes. PM2.5 consists of airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter.
According to the study, mothers exposed to increased levels of PM2.5 had a 70% higher chance of delivering prematurely compared to those who weren't exposed. The odds of giving birth to a baby with low birth weight rose by 40% for mothers who faced higher air pollution levels.
Northern states at more risk
A particularly significant finding in the study is the regional disparity: specifically, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar bear the brunt of the consequences of air pollution. These regions are known for being heavily industrialised with high vehicular emissions and the widespread use of solid fuels for cooking.
This conclusion aligns with previous reports. Another recent study in The Lancet reported that the average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi was 13.8-times higher than that in Kerala.
PTB was most prevalent in Himachal Pradesh (39%) and Delhi (17%) while LBW was most common in Punjab (22%) and Delhi (19%). Female children were more likely to be born with LBW (20%) compared to males (17%) — although both conditions were found to be more frequent among children of illiterate and poorer mothers.
Households that used solid fuel to cook also reported higher rates of both LBW and PTB.
Higher levels of PM2.5 during pregnancy significantly increased the likelihood of both LBW and PTB by 1.37x and 1.67x, respectively, with even a slight rise in temperature linked to an increase in LBW cases, though not PTB.
Higher temperatures have previously been linked to maternal dehydration, heat stress, and increased cardiovascular strain, all of which impair placental function and disrupt foetal growth. Conversely, excessive rainfall, especially during the monsoon, raises the risk of waterborne infections, which can further hinder foetal growth, the study suggests.
Flooding and displacement associated with heavy rains can also disrupt healthcare access, leading to delayed medical interventions and increasing the likelihood of pregnancy complications.
Region-specific interventions
The study's findings clarify that while India has made some progress in tackling air pollution with initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme, more needs to be done to mitigate the risks posed by poor air quality. The study's results suggest the government's target to reduce particulate matter concentrations by 20% by 2024 is a step in the right direction, although it may not be enough to address the public health crisis growing in tandem.
The authors call for more comprehensive interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution, particularly in North India, which has been identified as the most vulnerable region. In addition to addressing outdoor air pollution, the study highlights the importance of tackling indoor pollution, particularly from the burning of solid fuels in households. Cleaner cooking technologies and better access to clean energy could significantly reduce the harmful effects of indoor air pollution, especially in rural areas.
The research also calls for greater integration of air quality data with health surveillance systems to identify at-risk populations and implement targeted interventions.
A more localised approach, focusing on the specific needs of high-risk regions, is necessary to mitigate the impacts of air pollution on maternal and child health. Public health initiatives should prioritise the development of climate-resilient healthcare strategies, such as heat action plans and improved water management systems, to protect pregnant women from the dual threats of air pollution and extreme weather events, the study says.
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The Hindu
8 hours ago
- The Hindu
Study links air pollution to preterm births, low birth weight in India
Air pollution, a hazard endured everyday by millions across India in varying degrees, has long been associated with a range of respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and a growing list of health issues. Now, a new study reveals the damaging effects of air pollution extend far beyond the lungs and heart, affecting people before they are even born. Published in PLoS Global Public Health, the study was carried out by researchers from institutions in India, Thailand, Ireland, and the UK, with data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) along with satellite data. The team assessed the influence of ambient air quality on birth outcomes, specifically preterm births (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). The dataset included children aged 0 to 5 years; 52% were female and 48% male. The results suggest that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy significantly increases the likelihood of these adverse outcomes. PM2.5 consists of airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. According to the study, mothers exposed to increased levels of PM2.5 had a 70% higher chance of delivering prematurely compared to those who weren't exposed. The odds of giving birth to a baby with low birth weight rose by 40% for mothers who faced higher air pollution levels. Northern states at more risk A particularly significant finding in the study is the regional disparity: specifically, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar bear the brunt of the consequences of air pollution. These regions are known for being heavily industrialised with high vehicular emissions and the widespread use of solid fuels for cooking. This conclusion aligns with previous reports. Another recent study in The Lancet reported that the average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi was 13.8-times higher than that in Kerala. PTB was most prevalent in Himachal Pradesh (39%) and Delhi (17%) while LBW was most common in Punjab (22%) and Delhi (19%). Female children were more likely to be born with LBW (20%) compared to males (17%) — although both conditions were found to be more frequent among children of illiterate and poorer mothers. Households that used solid fuel to cook also reported higher rates of both LBW and PTB. Higher levels of PM2.5 during pregnancy significantly increased the likelihood of both LBW and PTB by 1.37x and 1.67x, respectively, with even a slight rise in temperature linked to an increase in LBW cases, though not PTB. Higher temperatures have previously been linked to maternal dehydration, heat stress, and increased cardiovascular strain, all of which impair placental function and disrupt foetal growth. Conversely, excessive rainfall, especially during the monsoon, raises the risk of waterborne infections, which can further hinder foetal growth, the study suggests. Flooding and displacement associated with heavy rains can also disrupt healthcare access, leading to delayed medical interventions and increasing the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Region-specific interventions The study's findings clarify that while India has made some progress in tackling air pollution with initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme, more needs to be done to mitigate the risks posed by poor air quality. The study's results suggest the government's target to reduce particulate matter concentrations by 20% by 2024 is a step in the right direction, although it may not be enough to address the public health crisis growing in tandem. The authors call for more comprehensive interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution, particularly in North India, which has been identified as the most vulnerable region. In addition to addressing outdoor air pollution, the study highlights the importance of tackling indoor pollution, particularly from the burning of solid fuels in households. Cleaner cooking technologies and better access to clean energy could significantly reduce the harmful effects of indoor air pollution, especially in rural areas. The research also calls for greater integration of air quality data with health surveillance systems to identify at-risk populations and implement targeted interventions. A more localised approach, focusing on the specific needs of high-risk regions, is necessary to mitigate the impacts of air pollution on maternal and child health. Public health initiatives should prioritise the development of climate-resilient healthcare strategies, such as heat action plans and improved water management systems, to protect pregnant women from the dual threats of air pollution and extreme weather events, the study says.
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
ICMR to draft anti-obesity diet plan for Indians, plan related research
New Delhi: With India facing an obesity crisis, the Centre has tasked the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to come up with an ideal diet for Indians, and the body is expected to submit its recommendations shortly, two officials aware of the matter said. The urgent directive follows alarming findings by Lancet, the British medical journal, that projected a surge in overweight and obese adults in India from 180 million in 2021 to 449 million by 2050, when a third of the country's population will be obese. This trajectory places India as the country with the second-highest global burden of obesity after the US and China. The imperative to address obesity stems from its health and economic implications, given that it significantly elevates the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart conditions, which in turn takes up healthcare costs and reduces productivity. As part of the plan, ICMR's National Institute of Nutrition is focusing on 'obesity-related health priority research' and 'actively tracking the nutritional status of the population," the first official said. The ICMR exercise is part of India's pushback against obesity, which includes the Centre's plan to roll out a nationwide screening programme for measuring obesity among schoolchildren. As reported by Mint earlier, schoolchildren will be measured for waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and Body Mass Index (BMI). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A government report reveals that unhealthy diets are responsible for 56.4% of the total disease burden in India. 'Obesity is increasing drastically. So, the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions. Unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors are key contributors to the rising prevalence of obesity, which is a huge concern now. Therefore, the government has asked the ICMR to prepare an ideal ant-obesity diet plan which ICMR is supposed to submit shortly to the health ministry,' said the first official aware of the matter. The ICMR's National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad is a public health nutrition research organization that focuses on "obesity-related health priority research"—weighing implementation versus policy-based approaches—and tracks the nutritional status of the population. 'Obesity is a national priority now and growing. Our Prime Minister has been regularly talking about tackling it. Multiple things are on thecards. The plan is to conduct obesity-related health priority research and deliberations are still on whether it should be an implementation-based research or policy-based research. We are also identifying and regularly tracking the nutrition status of the people. The National Family Health Survey (NHF-5) 2019-21 data reflects obesity among women has risen tremendously, the same as men,' the second official said. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data from 2019-21 highlights this shift, showing that 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men are now overweight or obese. Disturbingly, 3.4% of children under five are also overweight. 'We are focusing on the problems of undernutrition. One thing that has always been neglected is that rural areas do not have obesity. Now, we are seeing the issues of non-communicable diseases and obesity in rural areas, too. Besides this, we are trying to track obesity in schools using some applications and advocating healthier options of food in schools,' the official said, adding that ICMR-NIN is promoting diet diversity and running an initiative to fix our food and create enabling food environments for adolescents. Dr Amrish Mittal, Chairman and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Max Healthcare, Saket, emphasized that obesity itself is a disease, not merely excess weight. "Obesity is a predecessor of all the other conditions," he warned, explaining how rising obesity parallels increases in diabetes and blood pressure. 'Obesity is largely due to lifestyle changes, a high intake of refined carbohydrates, and a lack of protein and fiber in Indian diets,' said Mittal and called for a public health strategy that makes healthy options like milk, vegetables, and fruits more affordable than processed and packaged foods. "The ideal healthy meals on a plate should contain half a portion of vegetables, one quarter protein, and the one quarter has to be high fibre cereals," he advised. Mittal also linked the worrying rise in sudden cardiac arrests among young adults to unhealthy diets and poor lifestyles. Deeba Siddiqui, Senior Nutritionist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, stressed on the importance of limiting sugar, salt (to less than 5g/day), and ultra-processed foods. 'A healthy diet and physical activity can significantly cut the risk of coronary heart disease and hypertension, and prevent up to 80% of type 2 diabetes. Our diet should be 50% from fruits and vegetables," she said, advising vegetarians to include flax and chia seeds for essential nutrients and underscoring the need for hydration and careful label reading. Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson and ICMR remained unanswered.
The Wire
a day ago
- The Wire
Tasty Traditions and a Bitter Future: India's Fight Against Childhood Obesity Needs Urgency
For every burger and cola, there's a plate of chaat doused in sweetened chutneys, a glass of lassi brimming with sugar, or a festival box of mithai, rabri, and kulfi. Our traditional foods lovingly passed down through generations, are often sugar bombs in disguise. GIF: The Wire, with Canva. India's urban childhood obesity crisis is no longer a threat but a full blown crisis. The evidence is stark, the consequences generational, and the solutions, if we are bold enough, are within reach. Yet, the country's response remains dangerously tepid, and the conversation worryingly simplistic. Let's be clear: this isn't a story of chubby cheeks and outgrown uniforms. The latest National Family Health Survey (2019-2021) numbers show 3.4% of children under five are now overweight compared with 2.1% in 2015-16. That's millions of children – mostly in cities and booming towns – already on the path to diabetes, heart disease, and a lifetime of medical bills. By 2030, India could account for one in 10 obese children globally. And no, this is not just a Western problem imported through fast-food chains. The roots of our crisis are far more homegrown. For every burger and cola, there's a plate of chaat doused in sweetened chutneys, a glass of lassi brimming with sugar, or a festival box of mithai, rabri, and kulfi. Our traditional foods lovingly passed down through generations, are often sugar bombs in disguise. In many families, a meal is not complete without a sweet finish, and street food culture – while vibrant and delicious – often means deep-fried, syrup-soaked, or calorie-dense treats. We cannot simply blame multinational brands and modern marketing; the truth is our culinary heritage, unmoderated and unmodernised, is part of the problem. The nostalgia for 'pure, traditional' foods must be balanced with nutritional reality. Urban prosperity has delivered a paradox: families with more money and education are now more likely to raise overweight children. The culprits are everywhere – packaged snacks masquerading as 'healthy,' sugar-laden drinks and a food industry that targets children with relentless marketing. But also our own kitchens and sweet shops. Meanwhile, our cities have become playground deserts. The average child's day is a blur of screens, chauffeured commutes, and after-school tuitions – leaving little time or space for play. Even in semi-urban India, as aspirations rise and local diets give way to processed convenience and indulgent traditional treats, the same trends are taking hold. The COVID-19 pandemic turbocharged the crisis, with lockdowns leading to a 9% spike in childhood obesity among the youngest children. The double burden is now India's signature: millions of children are still stunted from undernutrition, while millions more are tipping the scales in the opposite direction. It's a public health contradiction that should shame our policymakers into action. Ignored The real tragedy? We already know what works and we're ignoring it. Across the globe, countries with far fewer resources have shown the way. In Mexico, a tax on sugary drinks slashed sales and forced companies to rethink their products. Brazil's schools are trying to ban junk food and teach children to cook, while South Africa's multi-pronged school programmes are attempting to nudge obesity rates down. Even in the UK, targeted interventions in deprived communities have moved the needle on childhood obesity, proving that smart policy, not just parental willpower, makes the difference. In India, our response has been piecemeal and polite. We tinker at the edges – pilot projects, awareness campaigns, and the occasional 'no junk food' day at school. But where is the boldness? Where is the regulatory muscle to tax sugar, ban misleading food ads, or redesign our cities for active living? Where is the leadership to make daily physical activity as non-negotiable as maths homework or force the food industry – including traditional sweet manufacturers – to come clean about what's in that 'heritage' treat? And crucially, where is the Ministry of Education in all this? Childhood obesity is not just a health issue; it is fundamentally an education issue. Schools are where lifelong habits are formed, yet health is still seen as someone else's department. The Ministry of Education must take ownership – making nutrition literacy, honest food labelling, and daily physical activity central to every child's school experience. It's time to accept that a child's ability to learn, thrive, and contribute to society is inextricably linked to their health. What can schools do? Let's not underestimate the power of schools. In middle- and low-income countries, school-based interventions have been among the most effective levers for change. Brazil's 'School Health Programme' isn't just about banning junk food; it teaches children to cook, to understand where their food comes from, and to take pride in healthy traditions. South Africa's multi-component school programmes have combined physical activity, nutrition education, and community engagement to reduce obesity rates. In the United Kingdom, the HENRY programme, which is focused on the early years and delivered through community centres, aims to reduce obesity among the most deprived children from 9.4% to 8.8% over eight years. These examples show that when education ministries take the lead, change follows. Yet, in India, the disconnect is glaring. We have put yoga on the international map, but its integration into children's daily lives at home is mostly tokenistic. In most schools, yoga is a once-a-year photo op, not a daily practice. If we truly believe in the power of our traditions, let's make yoga – and other forms of physical activity – a real, regular part of every school day, not just a cultural afterthought. Imagine if every child in India started their day with movement, mindfulness, and a sense of ownership over their own health. That is the kind of cultural shift we need. What can families do? The family, too, must be part of the solution – but not left to shoulder the burden alone. Parents need honest labelling, affordable healthy options, and clear guidance. It's time to have frank conversations about both modern and traditional foods. Yes, a festival sweet is a joy, but should it be a daily staple? Can we revive traditional recipes with less sugar, more fibre, and smaller portions? Can we make the act of cooking together an occasion for learning, not just indulgence? Urban design is another missing link. Our children need safe spaces to play, walk, and cycle. In cities like New York, redesigning streets and parks has increased physical activity among children. Why not in Mumbai, Delhi, or Lucknow? To see real change, we must invest in parks, playgrounds, and active transport – not just for the privileged but for every child. This is not just a health issue – it's an economic time bomb. If current trends persist, obesity-related diseases could cost India nearly half a trillion dollars by 2060. That money could have built schools, funded research, or powered innovation. Instead, it will be spent on treating preventable diseases, lost productivity, and – most heartbreakingly – lives cut short. But let's not pretend the future is written. India can still change course, and the blueprint is clear. Make schools the frontline: ban junk food, mandate daily exercise, and teach real nutrition – including honest conversations about modern and traditional foods. Empower parents with honest labelling and affordable healthy options – tax what harms our children and subsidise what helps them thrive. Rethink urban design so every child, not just the privileged few, can walk, cycle, and play safely – and above all, demand accountability – from the government, from industry, and from ourselves. If we fail, the vision of a developed India by 2047 will be a hollow promise. Imagine a nation where a third of children are obese, where chronic disease is the norm before adulthood, and where healthcare costs and lost potential swallow economic growth. That is not the India we want to build. The clock is ticking. Childhood obesity is not a slow-moving threat – it is here, now, and growing. The question is not whether we can act but whether we will. If we are serious about Viksit Bharat, it's time to put children's health – body, mind, and spirit – at the centre of our national agenda. The future will judge us, not by our intentions but by the health of our children. Sunoor Verma is the Honorary President of The Himalayan Dialogues and an international expert in leadership & strategic communication and global health diplomacy. More on The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
