India among 10 nations bearing 90% health burden of chewing tobacco: Study

A study published in The Lancet Global Health said chewing tobacco contributed to 251,000 deaths globally in 2023, with 90% of the health burden concentrated in 10 countries, including India. South Asia was the epicentre, accounting for 84% of chewing tobacco-related deaths. There were 241 million chewing tobacco users globally, with use peaking among people aged 60-64, it said.