In his latest radio talk, Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted the escalating issue of obesity in India, proclaiming, “One in every eight people today is troubled by the problem of obesity.” He highlighted the disturbing trend—cases have doubled in recent years, quadrupling among children. Modi urged a collective health initiative, encouraging people to cut oil intake by 10% and challenge ten others to follow suit.
Celebrated figures like javelin star Neeraj Chopra and boxer Nikhat Zareen were appointed as celebrity ambassadors, advocating for regular exercise and nutritious diets. Dr Devi Shetty, a distinguished cardiac surgeon, emphasized the need to reduce carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, asserting that “obesity today is not a cosmetic problem; it is a very serious medical problem.”
The Lancet study revealed a steep rise in obesity rates in India, with prevalence in women soaring from 1.2% to 9.8% and men from 0.5% to 5.4% between 1990 and 2022. This alarming trend is also witnessed among the youth; 7.3 million boys and 5.2 million girls were reported overweight last year, contrasting sharply with mere 0.2 million boys and girls in 1990.
The implications of obesity extend beyond aesthetics, heightening risks for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, and even certain cancers. Obesity can lead to sleep apnoea, bone degeneration, and other serious health issues, prompting experts to redefine it as a chronic illness affecting organ functions, moving away from the traditional reliance on BMI alone.
Given the evolving understanding of obesity, experts advocate for a holistic approach—integrating diet modifications, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes. The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly for adults, coupled with strength training. For children and adolescents, 60 minutes of vigorous activity daily is crucial, accompanied by a balanced plate composition emphasizing vegetables, proteins, and limited carbohydrates.
Prime Minister Modi’s recent address highlighted the obesity epidemic in India, particularly its alarming increase among children. Encouraged by celebrity ambassadors, a collective initiative advocates lifestyle changes, including reduced oil intake and regular exercise. Statistics reveal rising obesity rates, pointing to severe health implications that necessitate urgent action in dietary and physical habits across the nation.
India’s obesity crisis is a multifaceted challenge, significantly impacting public health and demanding immediate attention. With rising prevalence rates among adults and children, the call for lifestyle changes has never been more urgent. Key figures like Modi, along with health experts, stress the importance of diet control and physical activity to combat this growing epidemic.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
