Climate Change and Rising Heat Worsen Public Health Challenges in India -

…Seema Agarwal
Independent Writer
India is currently facing a threefold crisis: climate change, increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, and the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Together, these interconnected challenges are creating a new public health crisis. The true severity of these issues may not be fully understood when they are viewed in isolation.

A recently released report stated that 97 of the world’s 100 hottest cities are in India, and temperatures across the country this year have been significantly higher than in previous years. However, extreme summer heat is not a new phenomenon for India, particularly in the northwestern regions. During May and June, as the sun moves northward and its intense rays fall almost vertically on the plains and plateau regions of central and northwestern India, hot and dry local winds known as “loo” are commonly experienced.
Heatwaves have traditionally been a part of India’s climatic pattern. However, they are no longer merely a seasonal occurrence in the country. Their frequency, intensity, and duration have been increasing steadily over the years. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the number of heatwave days has risen by nearly 30 to 35 per cent compared to the 1990s and 2000s. In several parts of the country, heatwave spells that earlier lasted for an average of three to five days are now extending to eight to ten days.
Infact, rising temperatures and chronic health conditions are closely interconnected. The impact of heatwaves is far more severe on people suffering from diabetes and obesity than on the general population. Experts explain the human body normally maintains its temperature through sweating and blood circulation. However, in people with diabetes, this process is often impaired due to nerve damage and poor blood circulation. As a result, the body’s ability to regulate temperature weakens, making individuals more susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme temperatures.
According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), around 10.1 crore people in India are living with diabetes, while 13.6 crore people are in the pre-diabetic stage. The ICMR has also reported that nearly 28.6 per cent of Indian adults are affected by obesity, with the prevalence of obesity rising more rapidly in urban areas.
According to experts, India is currently facing a threefold crisis: climate change, increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, and the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Together, these interconnected challenges are creating a new public health crisis. The true severity of these issues may not be fully understood when they are viewed in isolation.
In people with diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels can increase fluid loss from the body. During a heatwave, excessive sweating further intensifies this loss, significantly increasing the risk of severe dehydration. Experts explain that people with obesity face additional challenges because excess fat tissue retains heat for longer periods. As a result, their bodies tend to heat up more quickly and cool down more slowly.
Individuals with obesity also expend more energy while performing routine physical activities, which generates additional body heat. During heatwave conditions, the heart is already under stress as it works harder to regulate body temperature. Obesity further increases the strain on the cardiovascular system by placing additional pressure on blood circulation, thereby elevating the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If the body is unable to effectively regulate its temperature, it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart attack, kidney failure, and other serious medical conditions.
India must address this growing challenge and governments to move beyond short-term measures and focus on comprehensive policy interventions. While initiatives promoting electric vehicles and energy conservation are important, they alone will not be enough to safeguard the environment.
The rapid spread of air-conditioning culture from metropolitan cities to rural areas, use and emission of harmful industrial gases, demands serious attention and effective regulations.
Alongside International Yoga Day, at least three special days every month should be dedicated to encouraging people to focus on physical fitness and healthy eating habits. Such initiatives could help reduce the growing burden of obesity in India. Workplace culture must also evolve to support healthier lifestyles. Only then can India move towards becoming a healthier and cleaner nation.