Obesity

Syllabus: Health

Source:  PIB

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a nationwide anti-obesity campaign, urging Indians to reduce oil consumption by 10%.

About Obesity:

What is Obesity?

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.
• The commonly used metric to classify obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 25 or aboveis considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese.

• In India, a person is considered:
  • Overweightif their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 0 and 24.9 kg/m²
  • Obeseif their BMI is 25 kg/m² or higher.
  • Morbid obesityoccurs when a person’s BMI is 35 or more.

Global and National Obesity Statistics:

1. Global Obesity Trends:

• Between 1990-2022, childhood obesity (ages 5-19) increased fourfold from 2% to 8%.
• Adult obesity more than doubled, rising from 7% to 16%.

2. Obesity in India:

• NFHS-5 (2019-21) Data:
  • 24% women and 23% men are overweight or obese.
  • 4% women and 4% men (aged 15-49) are obese.
  • Overweight children under 5 years increased from 1% (2015-16) to 3.4% (2019-21).

Key Drivers Behind Rising Obesity in India

• Unhealthy Diets: Increased consumption of processed foods, high sugar, salt, and trans fats leads to weight gain.
• Sedentary Lifestyles: Technology-driven habits reduce physical activity, promoting obesity.
• Urbanization: Shift to fast food and reduced active commuting contributes to weight gain.
• Genetic and Metabolic Factors: Family history and hormonal imbalances affect metabolism and fat storage.
• Mental Stress: Stress triggers binge eating and poor dietary habits, leading to obesity.
• Lack of Awareness: Limited nutritional knowledge results in unhealthy food choices and lifestyle habits.

Government Initiatives to Counter Obesity:

• National Health Mission (NHM) – NP-NCD: Focuses on screening, early diagnosis, and behavior change to prevent obesity and related diseases under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
• Fit India Movement & Khelo India Programme: Encourages physical activity in daily life through Fit India School Certification, while Khelo India promotes sports participation and athletic excellence with modern facilities.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018): Aims to combat childhood obesity by promoting balanced nutrition and initiatives like Poshan Vatikas (Nutri-Gardens) for homegrown healthy food.
• Eat Right India Movement (FSSAI): Includes the ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ campaign to reduce fat, salt, and sugar intake, along with Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) to identify High-Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) foods.
• RUCO Initiative (FSSAI): Repurposes Used Cooking Oil to prevent harmful fat consumption, converting it into biofuel instead of allowing reuse in the food chain.

Challenges in Controlling Obesity:

• Cultural Dietary Habits: High consumption of carbs, fried, and sugary foods leads to excess calorie intake.
• Limited Policy Implementation: Awareness programs exist but lack enforcement and community engagement.
• Economic Factors: Healthy foods are costlier than processed and fast foods, making unhealthy options more accessible.
• Lack of Physical Infrastructure: Few parks, walkways, and fitness spaces discourage active lifestyles.
• Marketing Influence: Aggressive fast-food ads encourage poor eating habits, especially in children.

Way Forward:

• Nutritional Education: Schools and workplaces must promote healthy eating habits and portion control.
• Policy Reforms: Tax sugary foods, subsidize healthy options, and improve affordability of nutritious food.
• Fitness Promotion: Mandate physical activity programs in schools, offices, and urban planning.
• Stringent Food Regulations: Ban trans fats, enforce clear labeling, and regulate misleading ads.

Conclusion:

With strategic policies, strong awareness campaigns, and community-driven action, India can reverse obesity trends and build a healthier future. A collective approach integrating nutrition, exercise, and policy enforcement will ensure sustained impact.

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