Obesity in India

Obesity in India

News: A recent Lancet study has pointed to steady increase in obesity levels in India. India has become one of the countries with a high ‘double burden ‘, with the increase in both malnutrition and the obesity levels. 

What is Obesity?
• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Specifically, for adults, a body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 is classified as obese.

Obesity in India
• Obesity prevalence has increased among both children and adults, especially women, from 1990 to 2022.
• 44 million women and 26 million men aged above 20 in India were found to be obese in 2022, compared to 2.4 million women and 1.1 million men in 1990.
• The number of obese boys has increased from 0.2 million in 1990 to 7.3 million in 2022. The number of obese girls has increased from 0.2 million in 1990 to 5.2 million in 2022. (Childhood obesity)
• Obesity is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which are already a high burden in India. 

What are the causes behind the increasing obesity in India?
• Changed Dietary Habits: There has been a significant shift towards junk food, fast food, and sugary beverages. Unhealthy eating patterns contribute to weight gain.
• Sedentary Lifestyles: Modern lifestyles often involve long hours of sitting, reduced physical activity, and reliance on technology. Lack of exercise contributes to weight gain. 
• Stress and Sleep: Chronic stress, poor sleep, and multitasking affect serotonin levels and can contribute to weight gain.
• Unhealthy Food Choices: Availability of processed and calorie-dense foods, low food standards, and the use of pesticides and chemical preservatives impact overall health. 
• Urbanization: Rapid urbanization has led to changes in lifestyle, including less physical labor and increased reliance on convenience foods. 

Government initiatives to reduce burden of Obesity in India
• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS)
• Eat Right Movement 
• Aayushman Bharat Wellness Centre scheme
• Transfat limit set by FSSAI 

Way Forward
• Public campaigns: Raise awareness about healthy eating, physical activity, and the risks of obesity.
• School programs: Introduce nutrition education and physical fitness as part of the curriculum.
• Improve access to healthy nutrition (especially amongst vulnerable people) must be enhanced by measures such as targeted cash transfers, vouchers for healthy foods, free healthy school meals, and primary care-based nutritional interventions.
• Promote healthy eating habits: Balanced diet and limit intake of processed foods.