Hyderabad: Malnutrition among children in Telangana has reached alarming levels. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reported that 31.8% of children under five years weigh less than normal. The Central and State Statistical Organisation published the data in its Children in India–2025 report.
The study showed that boys face higher malnutrition than girls, and rural children suffer more than those in cities. In rural Telangana, 35% of children live with malnutrition, while 25.8% of urban children face the same condition. Among boys, 33.4% suffer from undernourishment, compared with 30% of girls.
Telangana child malnutrition is higher in rural areas
The report also identified obesity in children. About 3% of boys and 3.8% of girls struggle with obesity. In cities, 4.2% of children live with the condition, while in villages, 3%.
Iron deficiency posed another major concern. The study found that 22.7% of children aged 5–9 years and 26% of those aged 10–19 years lack iron. It also found that 6.7% of adolescents between 10 and 19 years suffer from high blood pressure.
Health experts urged the state to act quickly. They advised providing iron and vitamin supplements and conducting regular medical check-ups to improve children’s health and reduce lifestyle-related diseases.
