Limitations of using GDP as an indicator are as follows:

1. Distribution of GDP: It is possible that with rise in GDP, inequalities in the distribution of income may also increase, i.e. the gap between rich and poor increases. GDP does not take into account changes in inequalities in the distribution of income. So, welfare of the people may not rise as much as the rise in GDP. 

2. Change in prices: If increase in GDP is due to rise in prices and not due to increase in physical output, then it will not be reliable index of economic welfare. 

3. Non-monetary exchanges: Many activities in an economy are not evaluated in monetary terms. For example- non-market transactions like services of housewife, kitchen gardening, leisure time activities etc. are not included in GDP, due to non-availability of data. However, such activities influence the economic welfare. 

4. Externalities: Externalities refers to benefits or harms of an activity caused by a firm or an individual, for which they are not paid or penalised. Activities which results in benefits to others are termed as positive externalities and activities which result in harm to others are termed as negative externalities. 

Welfare

GDP ignores the welfare component as the goods and services produced may or may not add to the welfare to a society. For example, the production of goods, like guns, narcotic drugs, high-end luxurious goods increase the monetary value of production, but they do not add to the welfare of the majority of population.