Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to combat obesity urges collective action for a healthier, fitter India.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the recent episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, called upon the nation to fight obesity through small steps. This call is both strategic, timely, and laudable, given that one in four adults in India is obese, one in four is diabetic or pre-diabetic, and one in three is hypertensive. A broader strategy is needed that addresses unhealthy carbohydrates, sugar, bad fats, salt, and sedentary lifestyles. Here are 5 steps that the strategy may include to be implemented as a collective responsibility.
WHAT DRIVES OBESITY?
Obesity is a multifactorial health problem. Although genetics play a role, Government of India’s Ministry of Health, national and global experts, and institutions of nutrition and public health all agree that unhealthy dietary patterns and reduced physical activity are key drivers of obesity.
Unhealthy diets in India are characterised by excessive consumption of industrially processed, high-calorie food products—often referred to as “junk food,” high- fat/sugar/salt (HFSS) foods, or ultra-processed food products (UPFs). These products are loaded with unhealthy fats/oils, carbohydrates/sugars, and salt. They displace nutrient-rich traditional diets, leading to overeating and weight gain.
Consider some examples of foods that result in consumption of excess fats and carbs. A popular chocolate bar may contain more than 28% fat and over 52% sugar, chips are typically 33% fat and very high in salt, cola drinks pack more sugar than recommended daily, a popular biscuit has 14 % sugar and 22% fats, instant noodles provide 13% fats, and a commercial breakfast cereal contains nearly 30% sugar. These are all UPFs and they not only mask the hidden calories from unhealthy fats and sugars but also contain chemical additives that further compromise nutritional quality. Their aggressive marketing, often with celebrity endorsements, misleads consumers and displaces the wholesome, nutrient-rich foods of traditional diets. That’s how obesity knocks at your door.
EVIDENCE
According to the World Health Organization, UPF consumption has increased dramatically in the past decade. Between 2006 and 2019, market surveys revealed that ‘junk foods’ and ‘soft drinks’ sales have skyrocketed by 42 times. Studies have shown a strong positive association between UPF intake and obesity among children and adolescents. Moreover, UPFs have been linked to more than 30 adverse health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even mental health disorders. One study even demonstrated that a 14-day exposure to an ultra-processed diet resulted in an average weight gain of 900 grams in adults, compared to an unprocessed diet. UPFs lead to overeating because of their addictive properties. Reducing UPF consumption has been shown to lower intake of carbs, fats, and salt, thus mitigating health risks.
FIVE PRIORITY STEPS
I asked several public health experts for their views on this issue. Based on their input and evidence, a multi-faceted strategy is required. Here are five steps that, if implemented collectively by various ministries, Members of Parliament, regulators, and individuals/families, could help halt the obesity epidemic.
1. Reduce Ultra-Processed Food Consumption (UPFs): Experts suggest that cutting back on industrially processed foods high in fats, sugars, and salt can be very helpful in reducing obesity.
2. Promote traditional & whole foods: Emphasis on cooked meals that rely on whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, milk, eggs, fish or meats and likewise, makes a dietary pattern that is culturally appropriate.
3. Encourage physical activity: Avoiding sedentary lifestyles and promoting regular walking, cycling, and exercise can help balance calorie intake and promote overall health.
4. Limit carbs/sugars & unhealthy fats: Limiting refined sugars, carbs, and unhealthy fats in diets is essential. Avoiding commercial baby foods for young infants and declaring schools and other public spaces as “UPF/HFSS Free Zones” may also be crucial in addressing obesity during infancy and childhood.
5. Strengthen nutrition education & public awareness: Public campaigns and school curricula should emphasise the importance of balanced eating, the risks of unhealthy diets, and the benefits of an active lifestyle.
A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Here are actionable ideas for implementing this strategy collectively to realise the PM’s vision.
Various ministries
The Health Ministry, in consultation with 39 ministries and departments, had planned in 2017 to halt obesity and diabetes by 2025. It is high time to pick up the threads and act expeditiously.
l The Health Ministry should coordinate with key ministries to amend existing laws to check advertisements of HFSS/UPFs, train healthcare professionals to provide clear, evidence-based dietary guidance in harmony with dietary guidelines and develop public campaigns and school curricula to emphasise the importance of balanced eating and active living especially sharing alternatives to junk food which are minimally processed or whole foods.
l Urban infrastructure should be developed to encourage physical activity (e.g., walkable cities, cycling lanes).
l A high GST (28%) should be implemented on sugary beverages and HFSS/UPFs, with the revenue used to subsidise healthy, whole foods.
l Increase the affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods through subsidies and public distribution programmes.
Members of Parliament
l Present a comprehensive Bill to prevent obesity, which includes measures to regulate the marketing of UPFs.
Regulators
l Create criteria of ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy food’ products and use them for regulations
l Enforce front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) to alert consumers about high levels of fats/sugars/ salt in food products.
l Regulate the marketing and advertising of UPF/HFSS food products, ensuring that children are not exposed to such ads.
l Individuals and families:
l Choose cooked meals and minimally processed foods over pre-packaged UPFs.
l Avoid advertised pre-packaged food products.
l Read labels carefully and avoid products with more than 10% of sugars/fats or unhealthy chemical ingredients.
l Incorporate regular physical activity into daily routines.
IN CONCLUSION
While it may be unrealistic to halt obesity by 2025, a concerted effort involving individuals, families, policymakers, regulators, and ministries can help stabilise or reduce its prevalence by 2030, provided the approach is well-planned, adequately funded, and effectively executed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message for taking small steps is a clarion call for change. By addressing the systemic drivers of unhealthy diets and combining individual action with bold policies—from taxing UPFs to revitalising traditional food cultures—India can honour the PM’s vision of a healthier, fitter nation.
* Dr Arun Gupta is a pediatrician, public health expert and convenor of the Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi). He is a former member of the PM’s Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges.