The recent emphasis on obesity in India has surged after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. He shed light on troubling statistics that show one in eight Indians is dealing with obesity, especially among children. Modi advocated for reducing oil consumption and called for a collaborative effort to confront this urgent health crisis. The escalating rates of obesity have significant health consequences, leading experts to delve into the causes and possible solutions.
About Obesity in India
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as an excessive accumulation of fat that can lead to various health issues. According to data from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS), there is a worrying trend: the percentage of overweight or obese women increased from 20.6% to 24% between 2015 and 2021. For men, the figures rose from 18.9% to 22.9%. Furthermore, urban populations tend to have higher obesity rates than those in rural areas. Childhood obesity is particularly troubling, with projections indicating that by 2030, 10.81% of children aged 5 to 9 years will be obese.
Health Risks Associated with Obesity
Obesity is often called the ‘mother of all diseases’ due to its links to serious health problems. The WHO identifies obesity as a major risk factor for conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and various cancers. India has the highest number of diabetes cases globally, with around 101 million people affected. Furthermore, the burden of cancer is projected to rise, with estimates suggesting there will be 1.57 million cases by 2025.
Factors Contributing to Rising Obesity Rates
The increase in obesity rates in urban India is attributed to several factors. Unhealthy diets rich in ultra-processed foods and decreased physical activity are contributors. Air pollution also exacerbates health risks by promoting inflammation. Economic factors play a role; low-income households often rely on inexpensive carbohydrates, leading to nutritional deficiencies. The rising trend of obesity is now also observed among rural populations, indicating a widening crisis.
Physical Activity Challenges
Research indicates that nearly half of all Indians are insufficiently active. Sedentary lifestyles are increasing due to office work and digital device usage. Unsafe outdoor conditions hinder physical activity. The lack of safe spaces for exercise, coupled with rising traffic and crime rates, discourages outdoor activities. Urban environments need to be transformed to encourage active lifestyles.
Measuring Obesity Effectively
Traditional measures of obesity, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), have limitations. BMI does not differentiate between fat and muscle mass or account for fat distribution. Abdominal fat, which is genetically predisposed in Indians, poses greater health risks. Recent guidelines recommend incorporating waist circumference and body fat measurements alongside BMI for a more accurate assessment of obesity.
