In his recent Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for nationwide awareness and collective action to reduce obesity, particularly through lower edible oil consumption. According to a recent Lancet study, nearly 450 million (45 crore) Indians could be overweight or obese by 2050.

World Obesity Federation stated that India has the third-highest percentage of obese persons in the world. Over the past 10 years, India’s obesity rate has almost tripled. Excessive body fat accumulation considered obesity. Metabolic risk considerably affected by body fat distribution. Obese people typically have one of two body types, depending on where their fat is accumulated. One is gynecoid or pear-shaped, which is fat in the lower body (hips and thighs). The second is   android or apple-shaped, which is fat in the upper body (visceral or abdominal obesity region). Abdominal or visceral obesity thought to be the most severe form of fat distribution.

India has also witnessed an increase in childhood obesity.. A study of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reveals a concerning rise in pediatric obesity in India. As per the NFHS-5, (2019-2021) in the category of ages 15-49 years, 6.4 % of women and 4.0 % of men, are obese.

There has also been an increase in the percentage of children under 5 years who are overweight (weight-for-height) from 2.1 percent in NFHS-4 (2015-16) to 3.4 percent in NFHS-5 (2019-21) at All-India level.

It increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21), overall, 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men are overweight or obese.

LEARNING FROM HOME/ WITHOUT CLASSES/ BASICS

World Health Organization (WHO), obesity defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk.  Body Mass Index (BMI) metric, where a BMI of 25 or above considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or above classified as obese. To find BMI, take a person’s weight (kg) and divide it by their height (m) squared. Healthy BMI is 18.5 and 24.9, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

Obesity contributes to a variety of metabolic problems and illnesses.  Unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors, shift towards processed foods, reduced physical activity, and lifestyle changes contribute to the problem.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Fit India Movement, NP-NCD, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Eat Right India, and Khelo India, to promote healthier lifestyles, better nutrition, and physical activity

Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsement of Misleading Advertisements, 2022

These Guidelines introduced in June 2022 by the Central Consumer Protection Authority under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The guidelines prohibit the advertisements of junk foods during a program meant for children or on a channel meant exclusively for children.

Trans-fat policy

Food Products in which edible oils and fats used as an ingredient shall not contain industrial trans fatty acids more than 2% by mass of the total oils/fats present in the product, on and from 01st January, 2022. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

National Action Plan and Monitoring Framework for Prevention and Control of NCDs in India (Non-communicable diseases)

WAY FORWARD

Policies should be proactive in prohibiting the advertising of sugar-sweetened beverages. Restrict and regulate the sale and marketing of unhealthy foods to children. It should insist on clearer nutrition labelling

The government has to provide community space to exercise and walk.

There should generalised clinical guidelines to treat obesity

New definition for obesity? What a new Lancet commission has proposed to replace BMI