Context:
As per National Family Health Survey, there is such a five fold increase in overweight and obesity cases in India as revealed by a new study published in The Lancet over the past three decades. The number of overweight or obese individuals increased from 53 million in 1990 to 236 million in 2021, projected to surpass 521 million by 2050 in urgent action failure, Making India the second most affected country in the world after China.
This includes the key findings of the study
- 1990: 53 million overweight or obese Indians.
- 2021: 236 million.
- 2050 (Projected): Over 521 million (second highest in the world).
- Slide: Comparison Between Nations:
- China: Had 464 million overweight/obese individuals in 2021 and projected to increase to 696 million by 2050.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a chronic disease that occurs when there is too much body fat. It can lead to many health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
Definitions of BMI
Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation that estimates body fat and compares weight to height. It’s a quick and inexpensive way to screen for weight categories like underweight, overweight, and obesity.
- Overweight: BMI between 25-30 kg/m².
- Obese: BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher.
- Younger Generations Affected More:
- People are gaining weight faster than the earlier generation.
- Earlier onset of obesity is more likely to have higher boluses of Type 2 diabetes, increased high blood pressure, cardiovascular illnesses, and cancers.
Need for Urgent Action: 5 Year Plan (2025-30)
The study’s authors call for global and national policy interventions in order to curb the obesity crisis.
- Balancing Overnutrition & Undernutrition
- India is paradoxical: 180 million Indians suffer from obesity while 35% of under five children are malnourished (NHFS 5, 2019 21).
- Key Policy Recommendations
- Regulating ultra processed foods.
- Improving maternal and child health by nutritional diets & breastfeeding supports.
- Encouraging physical activity & healthier living environments.
- Cut back on cooking oil consumption (as per PM Narendra Modi).
According to Dr. Jessica Kerr, co lead author of the study, preventing obesity should come at top priority among low and middle income countries. The absence of an action plan could transform into a dramatic rise in an obesity related health care in the next decades. That holistic policy must advocate healthier diets and physical exercise, and improved urban planning to reverse the current trend.
Source: TH
