Nutrition transition

Contextualising the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Lotha Naga tribal population of North-East India

Bibliographic Data

ID22074716
AuthorsJenny Jami (0009-0005-0797-8313, North Eastern Hill University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume14
Pages1819420-1819420
Publication date2026-05-07
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1819420
PMID42180489
OpenAlexW7160543512
LanguageEN
References cited36

Background The global rise in overweight and obesity has become a critical public health concern, increasingly affecting low and middle-income countries such as India, where a dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition now coexists. Within this broader nutrition transition, tribal communities—including the Lotha Nagas—are experiencing rapid dietary and lifestyle changes linked to socioeconomic transformation, highlighting the need for more research in this area. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 708 adult Lotha Nagas in Wokha Town, Nagaland. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, occupation, dietary habits (7-day FFQ), and physical activity (IPAQ) were collected through face-to-face interviews, and standardised anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference) were obtained to assess BMI (WHO Asian cut-offs) and central obesity (South Asian waist circumference criteria). Data were analysed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics and chi-square–based tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Traditional rice-based diets continue among the Lotha Nagas, but market-based and industrially manufactured foods are increasingly consumed, particularly by younger and socio-economically mobile groups. However, links between specific food items and overweight/obesity were inconsistent, indicating a multifactorial pattern. In contrast, the shift from agrarian to more sedentary occupations—especially among government employees and homemakers—was more clearly associated with overall and central obesity. Age and marital status showed more consistent relationships with nutritional outcomes. Conclusion Overweight and obesity among the Lotha Nagas reflect an ongoing nutrition and lifestyle transition characterised by reduced physical activity, occupational shifts away from agriculture, and increasing incorporation of market-based foods. In line with the nutrition transition framework, these findings highlight the need to interpret changing body composition within broader socio-economic and cultural transformations

Anthropometry · Malnutrition · Nutrition transition · Obesity · Overnutrition · Overweight · Socioeconomic status · Waist · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Indigenous Studies and Ecology · Obesity and Health Practices

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