The Economic Survey has expressed grave apprehension on the escalating intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in India that are usually rich in fat, sugar and salt. Speaking of the fact that India is ranked among the fastest-growing markets of such products in the world, the pre-Budget document, presented in Lok Sabha on Thursday, suggested that the advertisements of such foods should not be held in the period between 6 am and 11 pm. The survey also proposed the implementation of more stringent regulations on the sale of infant and toddler milk and beverages with the growing obesity rates in children among the key issues in terms of their health prospects.
The survey identified that the distribution of excess weight amongst children under five has increased by 2.1 to 3.4% between 2015-16 to 2019-21 respectively. It has been estimated that in 2020 there were more than 3.3 crore children in India who are obese and the number of obese children is projected to increase to 8.3 crore by the year 2035. The 2019-21 National Family Health Survey among adults reported that 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men are overweight or obese with 6.4% of adult women between 15-49 years and 4% men being obese.
In a bid to deal with this increased burden of health, the survey suggested the adoption of the so-called front-of-pack nutrition labelling, which will display health warnings on high-calorie foods, sugar, and salt on the front. It also encouraged the limitation of the promotion of these foods among children and the fact that the trade agreements should not disarm the public health policies.
The survey emphasized that the solution to the problem of diets can not be based only on the transformation of the consumer behavior. The coordinated policies within the food system will be needed to offer effective solutions, regulating the production of ultra-processed foods and promoting the creation of healthier and sustainable diets and responsible marketing practices. The proposals will help to check the increasing obesity epidemic and protect the lives of the future generations.
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