Obesity epidemic could cripple India’s health and economy, warns AIIMS Director, ET HealthWorld

New Delhi: With childhood obesity on the rise and posing significant long-term health risks, medical experts at AIIMS New Delhi have underscored the critical need for early nutritional education and school-based interventions. Speaking at a press conference on the adverse health effects of obesity and the urgent need for preventive measures, AIIMS Director Prof. M Srinivas emphasized that educating children on balanced nutrition can have a far-reaching impact on their health and the nation’s overall well-being.

“As the national conversation shifts towards reducing oil consumption and promoting better nutrition practices to combat obesity, AIIMS experts can bring credible, evidence-based information,” said Prof. Srinivas. He highlighted the importance of making children aware of healthy and unhealthy dietary habits, as well as the role of essential nutrients.

Recounting an interactive session conducted at a school, Prof. Srinivas noted that children were inquisitive about nutrition, asking questions about good and bad oils, micronutrients, and the importance of organic foods. “We discussed carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids with them, and they even identified which oils are healthier, like cold-pressed oils. They understood why excessive oil consumption is harmful and how it impacts various organs of the body,” he said. Encouragingly, many students expressed their intent to educate their parents on healthier cooking practices.

Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Dr. Rajeev Narang, Head of Cardiology, AIIMS Delhi, emphasised that obesity is treatable and urged people to monitor their Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference. “Abdominal obesity is particularly concerning, as it significantly raises the risk of heart disease and hypertension,” he said. “Weight gain around the abdomen is more dangerous than weight distributed around the hips and thighs.”

Supporting this view, Dr. Naval Kishore Vikram, Professor in the Department of Medicine, pointed out that Indians are genetically predisposed to abdominal fat accumulation, making BMI an imperfect measure of obesity. “Waist-to-height ratio is a more accurate indicator of health risks. Obesity should not be seen as a cosmetic issue—it is a chronic disease affecting people across all socio-economic groups, including rural populations,” he explained.

The importance of dietary modifications was reinforced by Chief Dietician Dr. Parmeet Kaur and Senior Dietician Dr. Monita Gahlot, who urged people to reduce their consumption of ultra-processed foods and increase their intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. “A balanced diet should include at least 500 grams of fruits and vegetables daily,” they advised. Additionally, they stressed the importance of food label literacy to help families make informed choices.

Beyond diet, lack of physical activity is another major contributor to childhood obesity. Dr. Vikram noted that more than 70 per cent of children are spending excessive time on screens, leading to decreased physical activity. “We need to take school-based physical education more seriously. Encouraging physical activity among children must be a priority, as it plays a crucial role in preventing obesity,” he said.

The experts at AIIMS urged policymakers, educators, and parents to prioritize obesity prevention. Awareness and education must start early, equipping children with knowledge about healthy lifestyle practices, dietary choices, and the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle.

“We have successfully controlled infectious diseases, but if we let obesity and lifestyle disorders spiral out of control, our country cannot afford the health and economic burden they will bring,” Prof. Srinivas warned. “Let us build a healthy nation by instilling good habits in children today.”

With childhood obesity emerging as a pressing public health concern, AIIMS experts reiterated that the time to act is now. A collective effort from families, schools, and healthcare professionals can help shape a healthier future.

• Published On Feb 5, 2025 at 05:04 PM IST

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