Economic Survey Highlights Rising Obesity And Unhealthy Diets As Major Health Concerns In India

The recently-released Economic Survey has revealed that a shocking 54 per cent of the total disease burden in India is caused due to unhealthy diets, according to a report from The Hindu.

This revelation has also raised concerns over the growing rates of obesity and the increased consumption of highly processed foods high in sugars and fats.

"Obesity is emerging as a serious concern among India's adult population," noted the survey, presented on 22 July by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament.

The survey further emphasised that to fully benefit from its demographic dividend, India must ensure its population transitions to a balanced and diverse diet.

Referencing a report from the Indian Council for Medical Research, the survey highlighted that increased consumption of highly processed foods high in sugars and fats, along with decreased physical activity and limited access to diverse foods, exacerbates micronutrient deficiencies and overweight issues.

The survey also indicated that, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the incidence of obesity is significantly higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. In urban India, 29.8 per cent of men are obese compared to 19.3 per cent in rural areas.

In another worrying trend, the percentage of obese men in the 18-69 age group has increased from 18.9 per cent in NFHS-4 to 22.9 per cent in NFHS-5. For women, the rate has risen from 20.6 per cent (NFHS-4) to 24 per cent (NFHS-5).

"Combined with an aging population in some states, obesity presents a concerning situation. Preventive measures must be taken to enable citizens to have a healthier lifestyle," the survey added.