• UGI USER
  • Aug 01, 2024
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INDIA’S HUNGER DECLINES, HEALTHY DIETS STILL UNAFFORDABLE

Why in the news?

India’s hunger declines, but a UN report highlights high costs of healthy diets and rising obesity due to junk food consumption.

source:medium

Government Efforts and Health Impact:

  • World’s largest free food program: 5 kg cereals to 810 million people monthly.
  • School meal programs vary by state (e.g., eggs daily in Tamil Nadu, none in Uttar Pradesh).
  • Unhealthy diets cause over half of India’s disease burden (National Institute of Nutrition).
  • Processed food is a major expense for families.
About Obesity:

  • Definition: Excess body fat impairing health; chronic condition.

Causes:

  • Imbalance of energy intake and expenditure.
  • Genetic, cultural, and societal factors.
  • Reduced physical activity, insomnia, endocrine disorders, certain medications.
  • High carbohydrate and sugar intake, decreased energy metabolism.
  • Measurement: BMI over 25 (overweight), over 30 (obese).
  • Health Risks: Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, gallstones, fatty liver, sleep apnea, cancers.
  • Treatment: Requires multipronged, lifelong strategies.
  • Impact: Second leading preventable death cause after smoking.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Explained

  • BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²)
  • Example: BMI of 25 means 25 kg/m²
  • Ideal BMI range for adults: 18.5 to 24.9
  • High BMI indicates high body fatness
  • Screens for weight-related health issues, not body fat or health diagnosis

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/global-hunger-index-highlights-indias-malnutrition-challenge/