According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) conducted in 2023-24, Odisha is facing a significant challenge with child malnutrition, as 22.1% of children under five are classified as wasted, which is above the national average of 19%. This figure represents an increase from 18.1% in the previous NFHS-5 survey (2019-21). The rise in malnutrition rates places Odisha among the worst-performing states, with only Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand reporting higher levels of child wasting. Additionally, the percentage of underweight children in the state has increased to 31.6%. While stunting rates have decreased to 26.8%, indicating some progress, the overall situation remains concerning. Public health experts attribute high wasting rates to inadequate feeding practices and food insecurity, which pose significant risks to child survival. The survey also highlights a growing dual burden of malnutrition in Odisha, with increasing rates of obesity among adults, where 29.7% of women and 27.8% of men are now classified as overweight or obese.