NEW DELHI, INDIA — A recent nationwide survey conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition has revealed that unhealthy food habits continue to pose a major threat to the health of the people in India.
The survey, which was conducted among 10,000 participants from different parts of the country, has alarmed health experts and has brought the issue of unhealthy diets to the forefront once again.
According to the survey, about 60% of the participants consume fast food at least once a week, while 70% reported eating packaged snacks on a daily basis. This high intake of processed and unhealthy foods has resulted in a rise in obesity, heart disease, and diabetes among the population, particularly among the urban population. “I have been eating fast food for as long as I can remember, it’s quick and easily available,” said 32-year-old Delhi resident, Mr. Rajesh Kumar. “But I have started to feel the negative effects on my health, especially in terms of weight and energy levels.”
The situation is not much different in rural areas either, where the majority of the population still relies on traditional, but high calorie and unhealthy diets. “I grew up eating traditional foods like roti, rice, and curries, but now I realize that these foods are high in oil and salt, and are affecting my health negatively,” said 45-year-old farmer, Mrs. Radha Patel, from Uttar Pradesh.
The survey also revealed that despite being aware of the negative effects of unhealthy diets, people still continue to consume them due to various reasons such as lack of time, lack of access to healthy options, and convenience. Furthermore, the survey showed that about 80% of the participants did not know the right proportion of different food groups to be included in their diet.
According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets are one of the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In India, NCDs are responsible for 60% of all deaths, with unhealthy diets being a major contributor to this statistic.
The survey has alarmed health experts, who are calling for immediate attention towards improving the food habits of the population. “We need to educate the people about the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, and make healthier options easily accessible,” said Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, a nutritionist based in Mumbai. “It’s a matter of life and death, and we cannot ignore it any longer.”
The survey highlights the need for immediate action to improve the food habits and health of people in India. The government, health organizations, and the food industry need to work together to create awareness and make healthy options more accessible to the population. Furthermore, educational campaigns should be initiated to educate the people about the importance of a balanced diet and the consequences of unhealthy diets.
According to MedicalNewsToday, chemically processed foods, also called ultra-processed foods, tend to be high in sugar, artificial ingredients, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats. Because of this, they are a major contributor to obesity and illness around the world
As the country moves forward, it is imperative that the health of its people is given the highest priority. The findings of this survey serve as a wake-up call for the country to take action and address the issue of unhealthy diets before it’s too late.