New Delhi: India is grappling with an alarming nutrition crisis driven by unhealthy dietary practices, according to health experts. The latest report by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) reveals that 56.4% of the country’s total disease burden is attributed to poor diets.
The rise of fast-food culture and widespread availability of processed foods rich in salt, sugar, and fats have exacerbated the problem. These unhealthy eating habits are fueling a surge in diet-related disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
“India faces a unique and alarming nutrition crisis, with abdominal obesity being more prevalent than overall obesity. More than 50% of the population suffers from diet-related disorders, including obesity, diabetes type 2, fatty liver, etc.,” said Dr. Hemalatha R, ex-director of ICMR-NIN.
Dr. Hemalatha made these remarks during a keynote address at the 30th Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminar organized by the Physicians Association for Nutrition India (PAN India) in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengaluru.
Early Onset of Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for 66% of all deaths in India, with an alarming trend of early onset. Unlike Western nations, where NCDs typically appear later in life, in India, they disproportionately affect individuals in their most productive years.
“Two-thirds of Indians with NCDs fall within the 26-59 age group. This is a critical phase of life, and the consequences are far-reaching, not just for individual health but also for the country’s economic and social development,” Dr. Hemalatha noted.
The ICMR-NIN study emphasized the urgent need to address the impact of unhealthy diets, which start affecting health as early as foetal development. “Unhealthy diets account for over 56% of the country’s disease burden, and the impact begins as early as foetal development, with pregnant women consuming processed foods and sugars risking their children’s cognitive health,” Dr. Hemalatha added.
Shift to Balanced Diets
Experts stressed the importance of adopting balanced diets to mitigate the crisis. A shift towards whole foods, including pulses, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, was recommended to align with global dietary guidelines.
“This underscores the urgent need to shift towards balanced diets rich in pulses, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, aligning with global recommendations to combat this alarming unhealthy diet,” Dr. Hemalatha urged.
Dr. G. Rajendiran, MBBS, MD, DM (Cardiology), Professor & Head of Preventive Cardiology at PSGIMSR, Coimbatore, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the role of a whole-food, plant-based diet in preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases.
“This gains importance given the increasing prevalence and mortality despite the recent medical advances,” Dr. Rajendiran said.
As India battles its nutrition crisis, experts emphasize that proactive dietary changes and public health interventions are critical to safeguarding the nation’s health and future productivity.
(with inputs from IANS)