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NFHS-6 Data Shows Child Stunting Down 17%, TFR at 2.0, but Obesity Rises to 30.7% Among Women

Target:UPSC GS-IMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
01 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:TFR 2.0Stunting down 17%Obesity women 30.7%Exclusive breastfeeding 55.8%
Bodies:Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.NFHS-6 data for 2023-24 shows major improvements in child health indicators like stunting (down 17%) and full immunisation (over 87%), with TFR stabilizing at 2.0.

2.The survey highlights a concerning 'dual public health burden' with rising obesity (30.7% among women) and a decline in exclusive breastfeeding, alongside persistent malnutrition.

3.For exams, this data is crucial for questions on demographic transition, public health policy, and interpreting key health and family welfare indicators from India's largest household survey.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

NFHS-6 reveals significant gains in child health indicators like stunting and immunisation, with TFR stabilizing below replacement level. However, it flags a 'dual burden' of rising obesity and lifestyle diseases, demanding a policy pivot towards Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) management and preventive healthcare.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

NFHS-6 Reference Year2023-24
Reduction in Child Stunting17%
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)2.0
Full Immunisation CoverageOver 87%
Obesity in Women (NFHS-6)30.7%
Exclusive Breastfeeding (Under 6 months)55.8%

1-Minute Revision

  • ›NFHS-6 Reference Year: 2023-24
  • ›Reduction in Child Stunting: 17%
  • ›Target this Data: TFR at 2.0 and child stunting reduction of 17% (NFHS-6).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: The survey is conducted under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: The data informs policies under the National Health Mission and POSHAN Abhiyaan.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is conducted under the aegis of which Union Ministry?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the findings of NFHS-6 (2023-24):

1. India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has stabilized above the population replacement level.

2. There has been a significant increase in the exclusive breastfeeding rate for children under six months.

3. The survey indicates a rise in obesity among both men and women compared to the previous round.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the NFHS-6 data cited in the article, what is the current Total Fertility Rate (TFR) for India?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary public health concern highlighted by the 'dual burden' mentioned in the NFHS-6 data?

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