India, a country renowned for its wide range of delicious and nourishing cuisine as well as its association with the ancient practice of yoga, is on the brink of a major health crisis. Shockingly, statistics reveal that a staggering one in four individuals in India is presently dealing with obesity or being overweight. It is anticipated that this number will soar by over 80% before the year 2035. Consequently, this nation finds itself contending with an obesity epidemic that poses a significant threat to the overall well-being of its population. The sudden shift in health patterns has resulted in numerous challenges that need to be addressed urgently.
Lifestyle Shift
Once celebrated for its traditional, healthy cuisine, India is witnessing a transformation where even home-cooked meals are succumbing to the allure of fast foods. The shift towards fast foods is evident as people find them quick and easy to prepare, contributing to the deterioration of dietary habits. Everyone is working and is busy these days. Convenience has become people’s priority, and traditional cooking practices have also taken a backseat. Gone are the days when moms used to wake up early to prepare chapati and vegetables for tiffins. These days, kids prefer going to the canteen and eating canteen foods there rather than consuming home-cooked foods. As urbanization and modernization continue to rise, they are also having a significant impact on people’s preferences for trying out new food trends. These trends often gain popularity through word of mouth or social media. It is important to note, however, that this increased exposure to diverse cuisines has also been linked to the growing concern about obesity.
Sedentary Lifestyles in the Digital Age
The pandemic has shown us how to live within the four walls. Working at home makes a person sit for a long time, reducing physical activity and thereby making people gain more weight. These days, kids also prefer to play video games and stay indoors rather than engage in outdoor activities. With the expansion of cities, open spaces and parks are being replaced by sprawling concrete jungles, which unfortunately do not offer ample room for engaging in outdoor activities. This reduces opportunities for physical activity like walking, jogging, and playing outdoor sports. The combination of reduced physical activity and poor dietary choices significantly contributes to the rising obesity levels in India, creating a multitude of health issues.
Economic and Social Factors
As the nation’s economy is improving, so is the salary of its citizens; therefore, they can afford processed and high-calorie food. There is an abundance of fast-food outlets and eating points, which are often cheaper than traditional foods that also need to be made with extra effort. These online apps, like Zomato and Swiggy, make the accessibility of these foods easier. The changing role of food in Indian lives, coupled with growing exposure to non-native cuisines, plays a pivotal role in shaping eating habits.
The phenomenon known as the “nutrition transition” has become increasingly significant in recent years. According to Harvard, “modernization, urbanization, economic development, and increased wealth lead to predictable shifts in diet, referred to as ‘nutrition transitions.’” A nutritional transition is seen when low-income and middle-income countries shift from a traditional diet to a western diet.
With the introduction of fusion food in a country like India, where there are different dishes prepared in every corner, fusion food has a high demand. Almost every locality now has a fusion food store that everyone wants to try to keep up with the trend of experiencing new things. Fusion dishes often incorporate ingredients high in calories, saturated fats, and added sugars. Globalization and access to a wide array of foods have expanded consumers’ choices, leading to a shift from traditional, local produce to a more diverse and sometimes less nutritious diet.
The advertising and marketing agency use a smart strategy to attract customers, especially children and adolescents, who are now more tuned to Maggie, pizza, and burgers. Developing a habit of eating fast foods from an early age has a very strong impact on children’s mental as well as physical health; they refuse to eat homemade foods as they grow.
Public Health Implications and the Road Ahead
The increasing occurrence of obesity in India, currently ranking as the third-highest globally, presents a substantial issue for public health. Obesity is considered a significant contributing factor to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It is also associated with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Addressing this issue on an urgent basis is crucial, as obesity is a major concern in healthcare with the potential to lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes and certain types of cancer. The alarming rise in obesity rates indicates the need for immediate action. Moreover, obesity significantly heightens the risk of developing long-term health issues, posing unprecedented challenges.
Stress and Mental Health
Of the factors contributing to obesity, stress seems to be particularly important, as stressful conditions lead to irregularities in diet, a lack of exercise, and addiction, each of which is considered an independent factor leading to obesity. Herzog said the finding basically showed that when we have a stress reaction, NPY levels rise in our bodies, causing our heart rate and blood pressure to go up. Chronic stress, therefore, has damaging effects. Obesity also takes a toll on one’s mental health. With the excess weight gain, one faces body image issues and is likely to develop low self-esteem. They also face problems like discrimination, which forces them into a state of emotional imbalance.
Solutions and Interventions
There is insufficient awareness and a lack of education about a balanced diet and physical activity. There are limited campaigns and programs organized in the field of obesity. India needs awareness, where people Overprotection and forced feeding by parents, false traditional beliefs about health and nutrition, and low knowledge about nutrition among parents and caregivers also contribute to obesity. The only treatment lies in having a balanced diet and a good amount of physical activity, especially in this digital age.
It is crucial to educate the public about the dangers of obesity and the advantages of leading a healthy lifestyle. It is important for people to understand that obesity not only increases the risk of various diseases but also incurs significant costs for both treating obesity and addressing the associated health issues it brings.
Navigating Towards a Healthier Future
Similar to other countries such as Canada and New South Wales, Australia, India should also take proactive measures to address the rising issue of obesity. It is imperative that we take action before obesity starts affecting our productivity and overall health. Implementing effective surveillance, promoting health education, mobilizing communities, and introducing interventions at schools and homes are some potential strategies that can be adopted by the government. In order to steer India towards a healthier future and tackle the obesity epidemic, it is vital to embrace a holistic approach that encompasses education, raising awareness, and implementing relevant policies.
Written by – Daisy Vandana Horo
Edited by – Kushi Mayur