A decade-long shift in India’s food consumption patterns has revealed significant regional contrasts, with Bihar emerging as the state with the sharpest rise in fat intake, while Kerala has quietly transitioned to a more protein-rich diet. The findings come from a fresh analysis of the National Sample Survey data by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), comparing dietary trends between 2011–12 and 2022–23.
In Bihar, both rural and urban households have recorded a dramatic increase in daily fat consumption — rising by up to 30 grams in some segments. This spike is well above the national average, where fat intake rose by roughly 12 to 14 grams per day during the same period. Interestingly, urban Bihar also saw a notable jump in calorie intake — up by 13%, the fastest among all major Indian states.
Experts believe this increase in fat consumption is linked to economic improvements and greater access to packaged and processed foods. However, nutritionists warn that the trend could contribute to rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases if not balanced with healthier food choices.
Meanwhile, Kerala has shown a markedly different nutritional trajectory. The state recorded the highest gain in protein intake per capita. Rural households added nearly 13 grams of protein per day, while urban households increased their intake by 10 grams — both figures significantly higher than the national average rise of just 1 to 3 grams.
Kerala’s dietary gains are being credited to higher levels of education, better public health infrastructure, and consistent awareness campaigns around nutrition. With an average daily protein intake now exceeding 72 grams per person, Kerala stands well above the all-India average of approximately 62 grams.
Despite Kerala’s progress, the state still grapples with lifestyle-related issues such as abdominal obesity and diabetes. In contrast, Bihar continues to face serious public health challenges, including high levels of childhood stunting and maternal anemia, raising questions about the nutritional quality of the calories being consumed.
The overall national picture suggests that while Indians are consuming slightly more protein, the increase in fat consumption is outpacing it by a wide margin. Several states — including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra — also showed higher fat consumption coupled with stagnant or declining protein intake.
Public health experts are calling for state-level policy interventions that not only promote balanced diets but also address the dual challenges of undernutrition and rising lifestyle diseases.
As India’s food landscape continues to evolve, the contrasting paths of Bihar and Kerala highlight the need for targeted nutrition strategies tailored to the unique needs of each region.
