Rise of Excess Food and Obesity in India

• Increased food production and preservation over the last 50-75 years has led to decreased famines and improved health.

• However, this has also increased non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

• Heart surgery is common in patients in their 70s, with their children often grossly obese.

• Obesity is a chronic, complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits.

• One in eight people globally are obese, and one in three are overweight.

• Childhood obesity is a growing health hazard in India, leading to poor self-esteem, depression, and higher adulthood obesity risks.

• India has a high incidence of obesity, with an incidence of around 13%.

• Overweight and obesity cause 3.4 million deaths annually, ranking third after China and the USA.

• The issue has negative impacts on individuals, families, society, and the country.

• Weight loss can reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce diabetes incidence.

• Metabolic surgery or bariatric surgery is effective, but costs and long-term nutritional aspects need to be considered.

• Regular physical activity and lifestyle changes are recommended.