ICMR to Submit Anti-Obesity Diet Plan as India Faces Rising Crisis
In a recent announcement, responding to the alarming rise in obesity in India, the government has asked the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to prepare ideal anti-obesity diet plans and submit them shortly. But what is driving this rise, and how does the government plan to tackle it?
Why This Sudden Announcement
As reported by The Lancet, India’s obese population is likely to reach 449 million by 2050, up from 180 million in 2021. This would mean nearly one in three Indians could be affected, placing the country among the top three globally, after the US and China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes obesity as the abnormal or excessive build-up of body fat that raises the risk of several health problems. While not a disease in itself, obesity significantly elevates the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and other heart conditions, especially among India’s younger population. Doctors have even referred to it as the “predecessor of all other conditions.”
Unhealthy diets account for 56.4% of India’s overall disease burden, according to a government report.
What Leads to Obesity
Dr. Amrish Mittal, in conversation with Mint, said the primary cause of obesity is lifestyle choices. A high intake of refined carbohydrates and processed foods, coupled with low-protein diets, has played a major role.
He urged the government to adopt a public health strategy that makes healthier food options—like fruits, vegetables, and milk—more affordable than processed products. He also shared a simple visual: “The ideal healthy meal on a plate should contain half a portion of vegetables, one quarter protein, and one quarter high-fiber cereals.”
“Obesity is increasing drastically. So is the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions. Unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyle, and environmental factors are key contributors to the rising prevalence of obesity, which is a huge concern now. Therefore, the government has asked the ICMR to prepare an ideal anti-obesity diet plan, which ICMR is supposed to submit shortly to the health ministry,” an ICMR official told Mint.
What Is the Government’s Plan
The National Family Health Survey (2019–2021) found that around 24% of women, 23% of men, and 3.4% of children under the age of five in India are overweight or obese. In response, several initiatives are being considered:
The ICMR’s National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad will lead priority research focused on obesity-related health concerns.
A nationwide screening program is planned to assess obesity levels among schoolchildren using Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio.
The nutritional status of the population will be monitored regularly to identify trends and intervene early.
Promoting healthier food options in schools, especially in rural areas, while also addressing undernutrition.
“Obesity is a national priority now and growing. Our prime minister has been regularly talking about tackling it. Multiple things are on the cards. The plan is to conduct obesity-related health priority research, and deliberations are still on whether it should be implementation-based or policy-based research. We are also identifying and regularly tracking the nutrition status of the people,” said an official, as reported by Mint.
The Bigger Picture
As unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles continue to drive disease rates, the government’s move highlights the growing importance of diet and nutrition in national health planning.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)
