New Delhi: Obesity affects around 44 million women and 26 million aged over 20 in India. The country ranks 182 among 197 countries for the prevalence of obesity in women and 180 men in 2022. The situation is quite grim, this has also been addressed in the latest Economic Survey, released on the eve of the Union Budget’s presentation to the Parliament. As per the report, 56.4 per cent of the total disease burden in India currently can be attributed to unhealthy diets. The situation is not a surprise to many but does this mean that we need to tax unhealthy food products, and make a balanced diet affordable?
Addressing the issue, Dr Rajiv Manek, Consultant General Laparoscopic, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road told News9, “One of the key recommendations is the implementation of a tax on unhealthy food products. By making these items more expensive, the aim is to discourage their consumption and encourage a shift towards healthier alternatives. This approach has proven effective in other countries, where such “sin taxes” have led to a reduction in the purchase and consumption of sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks.”
As per estimates, from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the cases of obesity are majorly noticed in urban India as compared to urban India.
Importance of a balanced diet in India
Citing a report from the Indian Council for Medical Research, the report noted that there is a significant rise in the consumption of highly processed foods loaded with sugar and fat, coupled with lower or no physical activity and limited access to diverse foods.
Importance of ensuring that balanced, nutritious diets are accessible and affordable for all segments of the population. This can be achieved through a combination of measures, such as subsidies for fresh fruits and vegetables, and targeted interventions to improve the availability of healthy food options in underserved communities.
Steps to take to mitigate the risk of obesity
According to Dr Manek, “The a need for comprehensive, multiprong strategies that address the underlying social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to obesity. This includes initiatives to promote physical activity, improve urban planning to encourage active lifestyles and educate the public on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.”
“It aims to not only improve the overall health and well-being of the population but also to mitigate the substantial economic costs associated with obesity, including healthcare expenditures and lost productivity.”
As per the Economic Survey Report, 56.4 per cent of the total disease burden in India currently can be attributed to unhealthy diets, just ahead the Union Budget 2024. The situation is not a suprise to many but does this mean that we need to tax unhealthy food products, make a balanced diet affordable? Expert urges to implement taxes on unhealthy food items to discourage the consumption of these Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
