BS EDIT: India’s obesity crisis: A ticking health bomb

By Business StandardPublished On Mar 11, 2025

A growing crisis

PM Modi warns of rising obesity. A Lancet study predicts 440 million obese Indians by 2050, with diabetes and heart disease surging

Children at risk

Obesity among kids is soaring, with 10 million affected. Junk food and sedentary lifestyles are driving early-onset diabetes

The nutrition paradox

India battles both obesity and malnutrition. Carb-heavy food policies have worsened both, especially for women

Rethinking food policies

Reducing oil is not enough. India must promote millets and a healthier diet over just food security

More protein, better health

Poultry and fish farming can improve nutrition. Cutting carbs alone will not solve India’s diet crisis

Act now or pay later

Food warnings, awareness campaigns, and policy shifts are crucial. Without action, obesity could become a full-blown epidemic