Obesity Day: Experts Urge Higher Taxes on Sugary Drinks and Processed Foods
Obesity in India: A Growing Health Concern
The Need for Better Policies
Obesity is becoming a major health issue in India. To tackle this, experts suggest introducing financial policies that make healthy food more affordable and accessible. At the same time, higher taxes on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods can discourage unhealthy eating habits.
Gaps in India’s Healthcare System
Despite the rise in obesity cases, India’s healthcare system does not have a structured plan to prevent and manage obesity. A recent report, Obesity Care in India, released by the Foundation for People-centric Health Systems, highlights this issue and calls for urgent reforms.
Urgent Action Required
Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, a well-known health expert and lead author of the report, emphasized the need for immediate action. He stressed that strengthening policies, raising public awareness, and improving access to healthcare services are essential to control obesity in India.
By addressing these challenges, India can take significant steps toward reducing the impact of obesity and improving overall public health.
Lack of Early Detection Programs
India does not have national screening programs for early obesity detection. This means many cases go unnoticed until they become severe.
Obesity Care Not Integrated into Primary Healthcare
Healthcare services focus more on treating complications rather than preventing obesity. There is limited support for promoting healthy behaviors at the primary healthcare level.
Insufficient Training for Healthcare Providers
Doctors and healthcare professionals do not receive proper training in obesity management. This results in inconsistent treatment approaches across the country.
Limited Insurance Coverage for Obesity Treatments
Most health insurance policies in India do not cover obesity-related treatments. This makes bariatric surgery and weight-loss medications expensive and out of reach for many.
Government Initiatives Lack Scale and Impact
While the government has launched several programs to address obesity, their impact remains limited.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): Focuses on malnutrition but lacks a dedicated obesity prevention plan.
- Fit India Movement: Encourages physical activity but does not offer structured intervention programs.
Need for Stronger Obesity Prevention Measures
To effectively combat obesity, India needs national screening programs, better-trained healthcare professionals, increased insurance coverage, and stronger government initiatives focused on prevention rather than just treatment.
India Needs Stronger Policies to Combat Obesity
Obesity is rising rapidly in India due to unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of awareness. This condition is a major cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, putting a heavy strain on the economy and healthcare system.
Government Action: National Guidelines & Healthcare Integration
Experts emphasize the need for a national obesity policy to address this growing crisis. The government must:
- Establish national obesity guidelines to standardize care.
- Integrate obesity treatment into primary healthcare for better patient access.
- Enforce regulations on unhealthy food marketing to protect consumers.
Healthcare Sector: Specialized Training & Equal Access to Treatment
The healthcare system should:
- Develop specialized training programs for doctors and healthcare workers.
- Ensure fair and equal access to obesity treatment across all regions.
Food Industry: Stricter Regulations & Healthier Alternatives
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) should:
- Implement clear food labeling rules, requiring the disclosure of sugar, fat, and calorie content.
- Monitor and restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods, especially those targeting children and teenagers.
- Support the production of healthier alternatives by offering incentives like tax benefits for fortified foods and low-sugar beverages.
- Work with state governments to ensure strict enforcement of food safety laws.
Education Sector: Promoting Healthy Habits in Schools
To prevent obesity from an early age, schools should:
- Introduce nutrition education to teach students about healthy eating.
- Implement physical activity programs to encourage an active lifestyle.
A Multi-Sector Approach is Essential
A coordinated effort is needed across public health, policy-making, and behavioral strategies to tackle obesity effectively. Currently, India’s healthcare system treats obesity in isolation rather than as part of a broader chronic disease management plan.
By implementing these measures, India can work towards a healthier future and reduce the rising burden of obesity-related diseases.