India’s Obesity Crisis: 450 Million Expected by 2050, Warns Study
A study in The Lancet predicts that India’s obese population will surge to 450 million by 2050 from the current 180 million. This trend endangers health services, particularly in low-resource countries. Prime Minister Modi is urging citizens to reduce oil consumption to combat obesity, emphasizing that small dietary changes can lead to a healthier future.
According to a recent study published in The Lancet, India is projected to experience a dramatic increase in obesity, rising from 180 million individuals currently to 450 million by the year 2050. This alarming trend poses significant challenges for health services, especially in low-resource countries. The report highlights that a majority of overweight and obese adults reside in only eight countries, with China leading at 402 million, followed by India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt.
The study indicates that if current trends continue, the rate of overweight and obesity among men globally is expected to rise from 43.4 percent in 2021 to approximately 57.4 percent by 2050. China is predicted to have the highest number of overweight and obese adults at 627 million, while India will follow with 450 million and the United States with 214 million. Furthermore, the report notes that younger generations are experiencing weight gain at a faster pace, leading to earlier onset of obesity-related health complications, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers.
In light of these findings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised public awareness about obesity during his monthly radio program, “Mann ki Baat.” He encouraged citizens to take proactive measures to combat obesity, suggesting a reduction of 10 percent in cooking oil consumption monthly as a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Small changes in dietary habits, according to the Prime Minister, can lead to a stronger, fitter, and disease-free future for individuals.
Medical professionals attribute the rise in obesity to the over-reliance on processed foods that are high in hydrogenated oils and excess salt, both of which pose significant health risks. Hydrogenated oils, commonly found in processed foods and inexpensive cooking mediums used in restaurants, should be limited in daily consumption to no more than 20 milliliters, approximately two teaspoons. Nutritionists advocate for substituting hydrogenated oils with healthier options, such as mustard, groundnut, or coconut oil, and recommend using a variety of oils to achieve a balanced fat intake.
The study published in The Lancet presents a concerning forecast regarding obesity in India, projecting a substantial rise to 450 million obese individuals by 2050. This surge is likely to strain health services in developing countries. Health professionals and leaders are beginning to address obesity through public awareness and proposed dietary changes, stressing the importance of reduced processed oil consumption and healthier cooking alternatives to combat this epidemic.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
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