5-March-2025-Editorial

OBESITY IN INDIA: A GROWING CONCERN

The Prime Minister recently raised concerns about rising obesity, particularly among children, and urged citizens to embrace healthier lifestyles.

About Obesity

• Definition: The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies obesity as excessive fat accumulation that threatens health. It is measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), where:

• BMI 25-29.9 is considered overweight.
• BMI 30 or above is categorized as obese.

• Measurement: BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight (kg) by the square of their height (m²).

Obesity Statistics

India-Specific Data

• National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21):

• 24% of Indian women and 22.9% of men are overweight or obese.
• Overweight children under five increased from 2.1% (NFHS-4) to 3.4%.

• Obesity prevalence varies between states, genders, and urban-rural areas.

Global Trends

• From 1990 to 2022, obesity in children and adolescents (5–19 years) quadrupled from 2% to 8%.
• Among adults (18+ years), obesity rates more than doubled from 7% to 16%.

Health Risks Associated with Obesity

Obesity is linked to various non-communicable diseases (NCDs):

• Heart Diseases: Indians suffer from cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and hypertension earlier than global averages.
• Diabetes: India has the highest number of diabetes cases (101 million). Obesity worsens insulin resistance, increasing Type 2 diabetes risks.
• Cancer: Obesity is a major risk factor, with cancer cases projected to rise from 14.6 lakh (2022) to 15.7 lakh (2025).
• Joint Problems: Extra weight strains joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis and back pain.
• Mental Health Issues: Social stigma, bullying, and low self-esteem can lead to depression and anxiety, especially in children.

Economic Impact of Obesity

• Healthcare Costs: In 2019, obesity-related expenses in India amounted to $28.95 billion (1.02% of GDP).
• Future Projections: By 2030, India’s economic burden due to obesity is expected to reach Rs 4,700 per capita or 1.57% of GDP.
• Policy Response: The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights obesity as a public health challenge and suggests higher taxes on ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

Causes of Rising Obesity

1. Unhealthy Eating Habits: Increased intake of High Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) foods and ultra-processed foods.
2. Lack of Physical Activity: Studies indicate nearly half of Indians have sedentary lifestyles due to screen exposure and desk jobs.
3. Poor Urban Infrastructure: Limited cycling lanes, shrinking green spaces, and congestion discourage outdoor activity.
4. Air Pollution: Increases metabolic risks, promotes fat accumulation, and discourages outdoor exercise.
5. Socioeconomic Barriers:
   • The public distribution system (PDS) mainly provides staple grains (rice and wheat), causing unbalanced diets.
   • Around 55% of Indians (78 crore people) cannot afford a healthy diet, leading to 40% suffering from nutritional deficiencies.

Government Initiatives to Curb Obesity

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)
• Ayush Holistic Wellness Centre (Promotes Ayurveda and alternative medicine for health management)
• Mission Poshan 2.0 (Focuses on tackling malnutrition and improving diet quality)
• Fit India Movement (Encourages an active lifestyle)
• Eat Right India Initiative (Promotes healthy eating habits and food safety)

Way Forward:

1. Nutritional Awareness and Policy Reforms

• Introduce ‘Suposhan Abhiyan’ to promote mindful eating and reduction in overconsumption of unhealthy foods.
• India can adopt the Japanese 80% rule (‘hara hachi bu’), which encourages stopping eating when 80% full.

2. Public Awareness Campaigns

• Obesity should be framed as a public health concern rather than an individual issue.
• Awareness drives should highlight obesity’s risks and emphasize its prevention, care, and management.

3. Regulating Unhealthy Foods

• Increase taxes on HFSS and UPFs, similar to the sin tax on tobacco.
• Offer subsidies on healthy foods like milk, eggs, and fruits to improve affordability.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds should support initiatives promoting healthy eating and active living.

4. Mandatory Obesity Screening

• Include BMI and waist measurements in routine health check-ups, particularly at Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
• Doctors should address obesity risks in all medical consultations.

5. School-Based Initiatives

• Integrate healthy eating, balanced diets, and the dangers of processed foods into school curricula.
• Teach food label reading to help students make informed dietary choices.
• School canteens should avoid HFSS items and prioritize nutritious meals.
• Implement global best practices like Japan’s school dietitian program to promote healthier food choices.

Conclusion

Obesity is an emerging health and economic crisis in India, requiring urgent intervention. A multi-pronged approach involving policy changes, public awareness, regulatory measures, and lifestyle modifications is essential to tackle this issue effectively. By focusing on healthier eating habits, physical activity, and government-backed interventions, India can prevent obesity-related diseases and ensure a healthier future for its population.