India’s Obesity Epidemic: Projected Growth to 450 Million by 2050

A study by Lancet projects India’s obesity rate will rise from 180 million to 450 million by 2050, increasing health risks and straining healthcare services. Global obesity rates are also rising, with major concentrations in a few countries. Prime Minister Modi has urged citizens to reduce oil consumption to tackle obesity, emphasizing lifestyle changes to promote healthier eating habits.

According to a recent study published in the Lancet, the number of obese individuals in India is projected to rise alarmingly from 180 million to 450 million by the year 2050. The research highlights that global obesity rates are soaring and will severely strain healthcare resources in lower-income nations. The current landscape indicates that a substantial majority of adults living with obesity are concentrated in only a handful of countries, with India being one of the most affected.

The publication reported that as of 2021, over half of the world’s adults with overweight or obesity resided in just eight nations: China, India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt. Predictions indicate that if current trends continue, the global prevalence of overweight and obese adults will rise significantly from 43.4% in 2021 to around 57.4% by 2050. China is expected to lead in the number of obese individuals, with 627 million, while India follows closely with its projected 450 million obese adults.

Younger generations are experiencing weight gain at an unprecedented rate, indicating a shift in lifestyle practices toward obesity occurring at earlier ages. This trend heightens the likelihood of developing severe health complications, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and several forms of cancer. There has been a growing public discourse surrounding obesity, particularly intensified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the subject during his recent monthly address, “Mann ki Baat.”

During this address, Prime Minister Modi encouraged citizens to make incremental changes to their eating habits by reducing oil consumption by 10% each month. He posited that these small adjustments would contribute significantly to addressing obesity. Furthermore, healthcare professionals have identified the consumption of processed foods, often high in harmful hydrogenated oils and salts, as a primary factor in the increasing rates of obesity.

Processed foods, commonly found in various forms such as chocolates, spreads, and many restaurant dishes, typically contain hydrogenated oils that solidify at room temperature. Experts suggest that daily oil intake should not exceed 20 ml. Nutritionists recommend replacing unhealthy oils with healthier options, such as mustard, groundnut, or coconut oil, and advocate for using a variety of oils to ensure balanced fat consumption.

The Lancet study raises urgent awareness regarding the obesity crisis in India and globally, predicting a significant increase in cases by 2050. With rising rates among younger populations, the health implications are profound and warrant immediate attention. Initiatives like those suggested by Prime Minister Modi may help combat this epidemic, alongside widespread dietary changes to reduce reliance on processed foods. Public health interventions will be essential in reversing current trends and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com