Migration From Rural to Urban linked to Obesity, Diabetes risk

A novel study conducted in India has revealed that people who migrate from rural to urban areas face a high vulnerability to become obese and suffer from diabetes, compared to individuals who do not migrate.

The migration is a biggest factor behind the diabetes epidemic in India, according to the study published this week in PLoS Medicine.

The figures reveal that diabetes has registered a significant rise in urban areas of India from 5 per cent to 15 per cent between 1984 and 2004.

However, in contrast to other developing countries this is believed to be as a result of unchecked consumption of  saturated fats and sugar, which is more aggravated by very less physical activity.

The process of urbanization - migration from villages to towns and cities along with the development of urban areas into the periphery - is associated to the variations in diet and behavior. Read More