Experts back PM Narendra Modi's call for fighting obesity, say excess body weight can cause health complications

Leading health experts on Monday backed Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for fighting obesity and cutting oil consumption in food saying excessive body weight leads to a myriad of health complicationsMaking a strong pitch for fighting obesity PM Modi in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast on Sunday urged people to use less oil in food and also challenged 10 others to reduce oil intake by 10 per centOn Monday the prime minister nominated 10 persons from different walks of life including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah businessman Anand Mahindra and actor Mohanlal to help fight obesityDr Neeraj Nischal an additional professor in the department of medicine at AIIMSDelhi said excessive body weight leads to joint problems sleeprelated disorders and mental health issues like depression and low selfesteemLifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of physical activity play a significant role in developing obesity he saidThough edible oils rich in unsaturated fats are thought to be beneficial in supporting heart health and metabolism when consumed in moderation even healthy oils are very caloriedense the doctor saidIf we overconsume them thinking they are healthy it can lead to excess calorie intake causing obesity the doctor said So to prevent obesity it is essential to use oils in moderation and look for healthier optionsDr Pradeep Kumar Jain the principal director and head of the department of bariatric and MIS at Fortis Hospital in Delhis Shalimar Bagh said that since oil contains maximum energy per gram compared to carbohydrates and protein it is also responsible for obesity if taken in large amountObesity is prevalent in nearly 40 per cent of the Indian population Obesity is higher in south India and among men he said adding that the primary approach to managing obesity is through lifestyle modifications which include adopting a healthy dietThe prime ministers proposal to reduce edible oil consumption by 10 per cent is a positive step toward combating obesity said Dr Praveen Chandra the chairman of the cardiology department at MedantaOils should be kept to a minimum to get the least calories he said and elaborated that the traditional Indian diet aligns with this concept avoiding fried foods and limiting oilRecommended safe limit as per calorie intake is five to six teaspoons 200240 calories of oil per day for women while men should consume 67 teaspoons 240280 calories An epidemiological study conducted in India in 2023 the prevalence of obesity stands at approximately 1385 per cent and abdominal obesity 57 per cent Dr Chandra saidDr Piyush Ranjan the vice chairman of the gastroenterology department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital termed the prime ministers remarks a very welcome statement If people adopt this in their daily life it will go a long way in prevention of noncommunicable diseases he saidIncidence of obesity and diabetes are increasing and these conditions cause cardiovascular and liver diseases The call for adopting healthy eating habits and exercise in our daily life will lead to a reduction in obesity and allied conditions the doctor saidDr Rima Dada a professor at AIIMS said oil intake should be less than 30 per cent of calorie contribution to total energy intakeObesity is increasing both in urban and rural areas Modern diets consisting of highly refined carbohydrates large amounts of fried foods and processed foods with very little pulses grains fruits and vegetables are contributing to this obesity epidemic she saidThe doctor also blamed poor sleep hygiene high levels of stress and a sedentary lifestyle for the rise in the incidence of obesityStress also leads to emotional eating This has been greatly aggravated by eating fast food which is rich in trans fat salt and sugar This is a highly inflammatory diet and regular consumption leads to obesity and increases the risk of development of certain cancers Dr Dada saidYoga also plays an important role in combating obesity and promoting overall wellbeing the doctor saidDr Vivek Bindal the head of department in the Institute of Bariatric Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery at Vaishalis Max Super Speciality Hospital thanked Prime Minister Modi for addressing the important public health problem of obesityReducing edible oil consumption can help in addressing obesity It is a part of a broader strategy focusing on overall balanced nutrition and active lifestyles he saidAlso ReadUse cycles to commute whenever possible for better health and environment Sports MinisterThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever