Overview

Obesity, a chronic and complex disease, is a major contributor to various non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer. Recently, a team of doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) addressed the media to discuss the implications of obesity and poor dietary habits and stressed the importance of a balanced diet.

Low Intake of Essential Food Groups in India

During the press conference, Dr Parmeet Kaur, Chief Dietician at AIIMS, and Monita Gahlot, Senior Dietician at AIIMS, emphasized the inadequate consumption of essential food groups like pulses, fruits, and vegetables in India. “Indians are consuming more foods that they shouldn’t eat, and this has led to an increase in diseases associated with unhealthy diets. Fifty-six per cent of diseases in India are linked to unhealthy diets, and obesity is a growing burden, not just in India but globally,” Dr Kaur stated. She also pointed out that protein intake among Indians is alarmingly low. “It is important that we eat more protein and sprouts as they are a good source of Vitamin C, B complex, zinc, and selenium. There is also a need to increase the intake of milk and milk products,” she added.

Importance of a Balanced Diet

Dr Kaur stressed that while fat is essential, it should not exceed 30% of total calorie intake. She also highlighted the low consumption of fruits and vegetables, urging people to increase their intake to at least 400 grams per day. “There is plenty of evidence in the literature which suggests that consuming more than four servings of fruits and vegetables helps with weight loss,” she noted.

She further warned about the harmful effects of excessive oil consumption, advising moderation and awareness when purchasing food. “Beware of misleading marketing, and it is important to learn how to read food labels,” she said. Additionally, she cautioned against fad diets for weight loss, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Need for Diet Diversification and Physical Activity

Dr. Gahlot pointed out that many people lack awareness about the need to include all food groups in their diet. “Diet diversification is extremely important. Your diet should include fruits and vegetables, grains, protein, dairy, and healthy fats,” she explained. She also underscored the importance of physical activity, recommending both aerobic exercises and strength training for overall health.

ICMR’s 2024 Dietary Guidelines

In 2024, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released the latest edition of its Dietary Guidelines for Indians. The 17 dietary guidelines aim to ensure the intake of essential nutrients and prevent NCDs such as obesity and diabetes. According to the report, “A significant proportion of premature deaths can be averted by following a healthy lifestyle.” It also highlighted that increased consumption of highly processed foods rich in sugars and fats, combined with reduced physical activity and limited access to diverse foods, is worsening micronutrient deficiencies and obesity-related issues.

ICMR’s 17 Dietary Guidelines:

Go through the latest ICMR guidelines

• Eat a variety of foods for a balanced diet.
• Pregnant women and new mothers should have access to extra food and healthcare.
• Ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months; continue breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond.
• After six months, introduce homemade semi-solid complementary foods to infants.
• Ensure appropriate diets for children and adolescents in both health and sickness.
• Eat plenty of vegetables and legumes.
• Use oils and fats in moderation; consume a variety of oilseeds, nuts, etc. to meet daily fat and essential fatty acid needs.
• Obtain good-quality proteins and essential amino acids; avoid protein supplements for muscle building.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent abdominal obesity, overweight, and overall obesity.
• Engage in regular physical activity and exercise.
• Limit salt intake.
• Consume safe and clean foods.
• Use appropriate cooking methods.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Minimize ultra-processed foods and those high in fat, sugar, and salt.
• Prioritize nutrient-rich foods for the elderly.
• Read and understand food labels.

Educating Children on Healthy Eating

During the event, Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Delhi, emphasized the importance of educating children about the impact of junk food consumption and the benefits of a balanced diet.

“…That’s why we are here. It is important to know what malnutrition is, what a healthy diet is, what a balanced diet is, what should be eaten, what should not be eaten, and which organs are affected. We must find ways to improve our lifestyle, live longer, and stay healthier. As a country, we have successfully tackled infectious diseases, and now, we need to focus on lifestyle diseases and obesity,” Dr Srinivas said.

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