India is grappling with a severe nutrition crisis, largely driven by unhealthy dietary habits, according to health experts. A report from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) reveals that 56.4 percent of the country’s disease burden is linked to poor dietary practices. The proliferation of fast-food chains and the easy availability of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and fats have exacerbated the problem, leading to widespread dietary disorders.
Dr. Hemalatha R, ex-director of ICMR-NIN, highlighted the unique nature of India’s nutrition crisis, noting that abdominal obesity is more prevalent than overall obesity. More than half of the population suffers from diet-related disorders, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Speaking at the 30th Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminar organized by the Physicians Association for Nutrition India (PAN India) in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengaluru, she emphasized the need for a shift towards balanced diets.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for 66 percent of all mortality in India. Unlike in the more developed Western world, where NCDs typically manifest later in life, these diseases affect Indians at a much younger age. Alarmingly, two-thirds of Indians with NCDs are in the 26-59 age group, the most productive years of their lives. This trend poses significant challenges to both individual health and the nation’s economic and social fabric.
The ICMR-NIN study underscores that unhealthy diets account for over 56 percent of the country’s disease burden. The impact begins as early as fetal development, with pregnant women consuming processed foods and sugars risking their children’s cognitive health. Dr. Hemalatha emphasized the urgent need to shift towards balanced diets rich in pulses, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, in line with global recommendations.
Dr. G. Rajendiran, Professor and Head of Preventive Cardiology at PSGIMSR, Coimbatore, also stressed the importance of a whole food plant-based diet in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. Given the increasing prevalence and mortality of these diseases despite recent medical advances, this dietary shift is crucial.
