Lingering fatigue, dizziness, weakness: The anemia crisis is striking urban women

India Today

2 days ago

For decades, anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen, was seen as a rural health problem in India, linked to poor diets, limited healthcare, and heavy manual labour in villages. But today, with changing lifestyles, dietary shifts, and other risk factors on the rise in cities, urban women are increasingly facing the same challenge.advertisementAccording to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, conducted between 2019 and 2021, 57% of Indian women aged 15–49 years are anemic, compared to 25% of men in the same age group. That means more than one in two women in their reproductive years are affected.WHY ANEMIA CRISIS IS RISING IN CITIES
Anemia is most often linked a lack of iron, an important mineral in the body that is needed to extract energy, protect cells from damage, and transport oxygen throughout the body while also maintaining electrolyte balance.But latest studies reveal that iron is just a small part of the problem. New research by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), published earlier this year, suggests that iron deficiency contributes only marginally to its overall prevalence as other deficiencies, such as folate and vitamin B12, and health factors like infections, poor absorption, and chronic diseases also play a major role in the anemia crisis.'Persistent anemia among women continues despite government supplementation programs due to poor nutrition, limited access to iron-rich foods, and inadequate dietary preferences. Cultural practices, frequent pregnancies, and poor sanitation worsen the condition. Lack of awareness and limited healthcare access reduce program effectiveness," Dr. Mukta Agarwal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, tells IndiaToday.in.Urban women are especially vulnerable today because of the rise in processed food consumption, hectic work schedules, and reduced intake of fresh, nutrient-rich meals.Even though they may have better access to medical facilities compared to rural women, lifestyle choices can undo that advantage.THE BIGGER SOCIAL PICTUREWe need to understand that anemia is not just a health problem, it's also a sign of deep social inequalities.Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, points out that women in many households eat last and least, have little control over their health decisions, and face barriers to accessing supplements or care."These gendered disadvantages are compounded by caste, tribal identity, and economic marginalisation, not just seen in urban areas, but highly witnessed in the rural landscape,' Poonam Muttreja told IndiaToday.in.In other words, whether in a village or in a high-rise apartment, women often prioritise the needs of their families over their own health, sometimes at a dangerous cost.advertisementMuttreja adds that even cooking methods have changed. "Traditional iron pots that infused food with trace iron have been replaced by aluminium and stainless steel. Poor sanitation and a high burden of infections reduce the body's ability to absorb iron. We cannot treat anaemia effectively without addressing these multiple, interconnected challenges," she says.Besides this, problems of accessibility and affordability of nutrient-dense food are making India face a "double burden" of malnutrition, where underweight and deficiencies coexist with obesity and diet-related diseases in the same communities and even within households.HOW ANEMIA IMPACTS LIFE AND PREGNANCYThe effects of anemia go far beyond feeling tired. It can cause chronic fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and frequent infections. For working women, this can mean reduced productivity and mental focus. For pregnant women, the risks are higher: preterm birth, low birth weight, and even maternal death.'During pregnancy, anemia raises the risk of serious complications. Poor nutrition and limited healthcare access worsen the condition," Dr. Agarwal warns.The latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (2022–2023) also reveals a worrying trend: Indians are spending a smaller share of their budget on food, suggesting that even in cities, nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and meat are being replaced by cheaper, processed and convenient alternatives.advertisementWHAT NEEDS TO CHANGEA mix of medical, nutritional, and policy-level changes are essential counter the effects of anemia in India. Tackling anemia means shifting cultural attitudes.Since anemia can cause persistent fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and reduced immunity, making daily tasks harder to manage, it is important to recognise the signs and visit a medical professional immediately.In women, it can disrupt work performance, impair concentration, and lower overall productivity. During pregnancy, anemia increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal complications, even death in severe cases.Left untreated, it can have long-term effects on heart health, energy levels, and overall quality of life.Given anemia ranks second in maternal mortality, it should be given a consideration during health check-ups, understanding the signs and early education of iron and other nutrient deficiencies in school, colleges and workplaces.Above all, women must be encouraged, and empowered, to put their health first, the only way to take care of the well-being of future generations.- Ends
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