Study reveals high low birth weight cases in 4 Indian states
A new study finds that the number of babies born with low birth weight (under 2,500gm) in India has dropped from 26% in 1993 to 18% in 2021.
That's real progress—but the problem isn't solved yet.
Disparities across states
Nearly half of all low birth weight cases come from just four states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
Meanwhile, places like Mizoram and Nagaland have much lower rates.
The study points out that targeted health efforts are needed to help close these gaps.
Why it matters
Low birth weight is often linked to poor nutrition and health during pregnancy.
It can affect brain development and raise the risk of chronic diseases later on.
With around 4.2 million low birth weight babies born in India in 2021 alone, there's still work to do—especially for moms and babies in high-risk areas.