Triple Burden of Underweight, Anaemia and Overweight/Obesity Among the Tribal Maternal Women of West Bengal, India: A Cross Sectional Mixed-Methods Study

Background: The triple burden of undernutrition, anaemia, and overweight/obesity poses a significant public health challenge in India, particularly among tribal maternal women. This paradox reflects the complex effects of socio-economic and nutritional transitions in low- and middle-income countries. Methodology: The present cross-sectional mixed-methods study investigated the prevalence and determinants of this triple burden among 710 tribal women across three districts of West Bengal, using a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling technique. Data on socio-demographics, anthropometry, and haemoglobin levels were ethically collected using standardized tools. Results: Results showed that 21.97% of women were underweight and 23.94% overweight or obese, indicating a dual burden of nutrition-related disorders. Alarmingly, 92.4% of participants suffered from anaemia, mostly mild to moderate, associated with poor dietary intake, early pregnancies, and limited healthcare access. Socio-demographic variables, lifestyle factors and food habits significantly influenced nutritional outcomes. Women on vegetarian diets showed higher odds of anaemia and undernutrition. Conclusions: The findings reveal a complex nutritional crisis in tribal communities, underscoring the urgent need for culturally appropriate, targeted interventions. Strategies must focus on improving dietary diversity, strengthening maternal healthcare, and addressing structural determinants like poverty and education to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.