Amid alarming projections of a nationwide obesity crisis, the Centre has asked the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to formulate an ideal diet tailored for Indians. The initiative comes in response to a recent Lancet study that forecasts a dramatic rise in the number of overweight and obese adults in India—from 180 million in 2021 to a staggering 449 million by 2050.
This projected trajectory positions India as the country with the third-highest global obesity burden after the United States and China. The government’s directive reflects growing concerns about the implications of obesity, which heightens the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular ailments. These conditions not only escalate healthcare costs but also hinder economic productivity.
The ICMR’s National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), based in Hyderabad, has been tasked with spearheading research on “obesity-related health priorities” and monitoring the nation’s nutritional status. Officials familiar with the matter said the NIN is working actively to submit its diet recommendations to the Union Health Ministry soon.
Multi-Pronged Strategy to Address Obesity
The push against obesity includes a proposed nationwide screening programme in schools, where children will be evaluated using Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measurements. Officials emphasized that the health implications of poor diet and sedentary lifestyles are being felt even in rural regions—an area traditionally associated with undernutrition rather than obesity.
A government report indicates that unhealthy dietary patterns are responsible for more than half (56.4%) of India’s total disease burden. In this context, officials are deliberating whether ICMR’s strategy should emphasize implementation-based interventions or policy-oriented reforms.
“Obesity is no longer an urban phenomenon. We are now seeing its spread across rural communities as well. This necessitates a comprehensive tracking system and the promotion of healthier eating habits among schoolchildren and the broader population,” said a senior government official.
NFHS Data Underscores Rising Obesity
Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) for 2019–21 underscores this growing health challenge. The survey reveals that 24% of women and 23% of men in India are overweight or obese, with 3.4% of children under five also falling into this category.
To combat these trends, the ICMR-NIN is promoting dietary diversity and advocating for healthier school food environments. Officials also highlighted the use of digital applications to track obesity trends among students.
Experts Call for Holistic Public Health Approach
Healthcare professionals have backed the government’s initiative while emphasizing the urgent need for broader public health interventions.
“Obesity is not just excess weight—it is a disease that leads to a host of other conditions,” said Dr. Amrish Mittal, Chairman of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Max Healthcare. He noted that changing lifestyles, diets high in refined carbohydrates, and low intake of fiber and protein are key contributors to the rising obesity levels.
Dr. Mittal suggested that an ideal meal should consist of 50% vegetables, 25% protein, and 25% whole grains or high-fiber cereals. He also stressed the importance of making healthy food options—such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy—more affordable and accessible than processed foods.
Deeba Siddiqui, Senior Nutritionist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, echoed this sentiment, recommending limits on sugar, salt (under 5 grams per day), and ultra-processed foods. “A healthy diet combined with regular physical activity can prevent up to 80% of type 2 diabetes and significantly lower the risk of heart disease and hypertension,” she said. For vegetarians, she recommended including flax and chia seeds to meet nutritional needs.
Siddiqui also stressed the importance of staying hydrated and reading food labels carefully to avoid hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.
Despite the seriousness of the issue, official responses from the Union Health Ministry and ICMR regarding the final diet guidelines remain pending.
As India grapples with the dual challenge of undernutrition and rising obesity, experts agree that the country’s food systems and public health strategies must undergo urgent, evidence-based reforms to secure a healthier future for all citizens.