If you are suffering from insomnia, performing exercises such as yoga, tai chi, walking, and jogging may help improve sleep quality, according to a study. The findings, published in the online journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine, back the use of exercise as a primary treatment strategy for poor sleep patterns. Insomnia is characterised by difficulties falling and staying asleep, or waking up too early in the morning. It is associated with heightened risks of various mental and physical health conditions, including dementia and cardiovascular disease. Drug treatments for insomnia come with side effects, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), while effective, isn’t always available due to the shortage of trained therapists, explained the researchers from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China. “The findings of this study further underscore the therapeutic potential of exercise interventions in the treatment of insomnia, suggesting that their role may extend beyond adjunctive support to serve as viable primary treatment options,” said corresponding author Zhao-lan Liu, from the varsity. “Although current clinical guidelines make only limited mention of exercise, this study provides relatively comprehensive comparative evidence that may inform the development of more specific and actionable clinical recommendations,” Liu added. The team conducted a meta-analysis of 22 randomised clinical trials involving 1,348 participants and 13 different treatment approaches to ease insomnia. Of these seven were exercise-based: yoga; tai chi; walking or jogging; aerobic plus strength exercise; strength training alone; aerobic exercise combined with therapy; and mixed aerobic exercises. The other approaches included CBT; sleep hygiene; ayurveda; acupuncture or massage. The analysis showed that yoga resulted in a large increase in total sleep time of nearly 2 hours and improved sleep efficiency by nearly 15 per cent. It also reduced the amount of time spent awake after falling asleep by nearly an hour and shortened sleep latency by around half an hour. Walking or jogging resulted in a large reduction in insomnia severity of nearly 10 points, while tai chi reduced poor sleep quality scores by more than 4 points, increased total sleep time by more than 50 minutes, and reduced time spent awake after falling asleep by over half an hour. It also shortened sleep latency by around 25 minutes, the researchers said. Given the advantages of these exercise -- including low cost, minimal side effects, and high accessibility -- the team urged the need for integrating these into primary care and community health programmes. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 July,2025 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIn a remarkable feat of advanced surgical care, the hospital in Kolkata has successfully performed a 10-hour-long, high-risk surgery on a 60-year-old patient diagnosed with severely advanced ovarian cancer. The patient, Rina Ganguly (name changed), had cancer that not only spread extensively in the abdominal cavity but had also reached the chest lymph nodes, making the case highly complex. Ovarian cancer is the third most common cancer among women in India and is often referred to as a "silent killer" due to its lack of symptoms in the early stages, which frequently leads to diagnosis at an advanced stage. In such cases, performing an ultra-radical surgery to remove all visible disease is the most crucial prognostic factor in improving survival outcomes. The operation was led by Dr Arunava Roy, consultant, gynaecologic Onco-Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Salt Lake with his team Dr Arunashis Mallick and Dr Neha Agarwal, supported by a team of anaesthetists, ICU specialists, and nurses. Following clinical assessment and anaesthesia approval, the team opted for an upfront radical surgery approach aimed at achieving zero residual disease, meaning no visible tumour remains in the body post-surgery. Depending on the severity and spread of cancer, this approach may involve operating on several major organs. Ganguly (patient name changed) had a major and lengthy surgery involving the excision of lymph nodes of the chest and cancerous nodules from all regions of the abdomen including the diaphragm, bowel surfaces, ovaries, uterus, pelvic peritoneum, and bladder peritoneum. The operation also involved a total omentectomy (removing the whole fatty apron-like tissue from the abdomen to get rid of any cancer deposits), stripping of the diaphragm (removing the cancer-affected outer layer of the diaphragm), selective peritonectomy (removing only the cancer-infected portions of the abdominal lining), recto-sigmoid resection (removing the lower portion of the large intestine), and anastomosis to maintain bowel continuity (reconnecting the intestine after a part is removed). The tumour deposits were removed meticulously from all sites of involvement, including a small bowel mesenteric deposit (the connective tissue around the small intestine) and the right cardiophrenic node (lymph node located near the point where the heart and the diaphragm meet on the right side of the chest). Despite the intricacy and length of the surgery, which started at 8 am and lasted till 6 pm, one unit of blood transfusion was all that was needed. During the surgery, the patient was continuously observed and kept in stable condition by the anaesthesia team. After the surgery, she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and provided with critical care support and got shifted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) within 48 hours. The remarkable aspect of the case was the quick and incident-free recovery of the patient. Within six days of surgery, she could walk, bathe, consume a normal diet, and even use the washroom independently. She was discharged from the hospital in a stable condition after achieving full postoperative recovery with no complications. Speaking about the surgery, Dr Roy shared, “This was a particularly challenging case of advanced ovarian cancer. Our objective was to ensure zero residual disease, which means surgically removing every visible trace of cancer, no matter where it is. These surgeries demand meticulous planning, surgical precision, and coordinated teamwork. I am proud of our team at Manipal Hospital, Salt Lake, for delivering an outstanding clinical outcome with minimal blood loss and excellent postoperative recovery.”
17 July,2025 01:31 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentA study analysing brain scans of crew members who spent a year at an Antarctic research station has revealed changes due to exposure to isolated and extreme environments with potential impacts on physiology and cognition. The findings, published in the journal 'npj Microgravity', have implications as extended space missions are planned from around the world, researchers said. The team from the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand found an overall reduction in white matter and a reduced grey matter in brain regions known to help with memory, language and spatial awareness. Astronauts experience considerable stress in space, and understanding its effects on the brain can aid in assessing risks and building resilience, the researchers explained. They pointed out that analogue environments — locations on Earth with features similar to those found on the Moon or Mars — such as the Antarctic Concordia Station, simulate "isolated, confined, and extreme" (ICE) conditions. The findings are also relevant for individuals in the general population where a perception of isolation -- or loneliness -- has been on the increase, and many have experienced chronic stress over the past years, the team said. The researchers, including those from the University of Pennsylvania and the New Zealand Brain Research Institute, analysed MRI scans of 25 crew members who spent 12 months at Concordia (a French-Italian research facility). The scans, taken before the mission, immediately after, and five months post-mission, were compared with those of another 25 individuals not subjected to isolated, extreme conditions. The team found an overall reduction in white matter, along with decreased grey matter in the brain's temporal and parietal lobes, hippocampus, and thalamus. These regions are critical for processing sensory information, memory, language, and spatial awareness. While it is known that white and grey matter naturally decrease with age — leading to age-related cognitive decline — other factors like diseases and lifestyle choices can also contribute to these reductions. The study revealed that improved sleep and physical activity, such as gymming, during periods of isolation and confinement were linked to a lesser loss of grey matter, suggesting that lifestyle choices may have protective effects. Moreover, the levels of white and grey matter were observed to return to pre-exposure levels five months after the participants returned from Antarctica. "Life in space and on Earth entails exposure to and requires resilience to stress. Elucidating the effects of prolonged stress in extreme conditions highlights significant, but transient brain changes relevant for optimal physiological and cognitive functioning," the authors wrote. "The current data and future studies in (isolated, confined and extreme) environments, including space travel, reemphasise the need to identify specific countermeasures that may mitigate changes in brain anatomy when individuals are isolated," the team wrote. "The relevance of the current findings has broadened with the increase in isolation in the general population," they further noted. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 July,2025 11:33 AM IST | Mumbai | PTIIndians consume salt 2.2 times more than the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), posing severe health risks such as hypertension, strokes, and kidney disease, among others, according to ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology. WHO recommends less than 5 grams per day of salt (roughly under a teaspoon) or below 2g of sodium per day. However, “the mean salt consumption per day by an Indian is 11 grams per day, which is 2.2 times more than the WHO recommendation”, the ICMR-NIE said. According to the apex research body, regular iodised salt contains 40 per cent of sodium, much higher than the WHO limit. The WHO also suggests the use of low-sodium salt to ward off the risk. “Major salt source is hidden in Indian diet and the hidden salt is fuelling a real risk,” said the scientists at the ICMR-NIE. They pointed out common eatables such as pickles, pappad, namkeen, biscuits and cookies, bread, vada pav, chips, instant noodles, and canned and packaged foods as potential sources for excess salt. "Excess levels of sodium are dangerous, as an estimated 1.89 million deaths each year worldwide are associated with consuming too much sodium,” the research body said. “Too much salt in diet raises blood sodium, triggers water retention, increases blood volume, raises blood pressure (hypertension), leading to stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and obesity,” it explained. To address the issue, the ICMR-NIE has initiated Project Namak (salt) -- a community-led salt reduction study. The three-year intervention project, launched in Punjab and Telangana, will evaluate the effectiveness of structured salt reduction counselling, delivered by health workers at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), in reducing blood pressure and sodium intake among individuals with hypertension. The project suggests the use of low-sodium salt (LSS) -- dietary salts where Sodium (Na) is replaced with Potassium (K) or Magnesium (Mg). “Switching to LSS can lower blood pressure by an average of 7/4 mmHg (millimeters of mercury),” the scientists noted. “However, LSS is not recommended for people with kidney disease or those on potassium-restricted diets,” they added. Sodium intake can also be reduced by eating mostly fresh, minimally processed foods, cooking with little or no added sodium/salt, limiting the use of commercial sauces, dressings, and instant products, and limiting the consumption of processed foods. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 July,2025 06:23 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSHearing loss combined with the feelings of loneliness accelerates cognitive decline, leading to dementia in older adults, according to a study. Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) in Switzerland showed that isolation, communication difficulties, reduced alertness, and hearing impairment or loss are a real challenge in daily life. The findings, published in the journal Communications Psychology, showed that hearing loss accelerates cognitive decline, particularly among individuals who feel lonely, regardless of whether they are socially isolated. ‘‘We found that people who were not socially isolated but who felt lonely saw their cognitive decline accelerate when they were deaf,’’ said Matthias Kliegel, professor in the Cognitive Ageing Laboratory in UNIGE. The team analysed data from 33,000 older adults across 12 countries in Europe to examine the combined impact of hearing loss and loneliness on memory. They found three distinct profiles based on the degree of social isolation and perceived loneliness: individuals who are socially isolated and feel lonely; individuals who are not socially isolated but still feel lonely; and individuals who are socially isolated but do not feel lonely. The study supports the importance of addressing both hearing loss and the social and emotional dimensions of individuals in efforts to prevent cognitive decline. This is particularly crucial for people who are not socially isolated but still feel lonely -- in such cases, simple hearing interventions, like using a hearing aid, may be enough to help them engage more fully in social life, the researchers said. “These individuals are already socially integrated, so it’s a matter of removing a sensory barrier in order to reinforce their engagement and protect their cognitive health,” said Charikleia Lampraki, postdoctoral researcher in the Lifespan Lab at UNIGE. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 2.5 billion people will experience hearing loss or impairment by 2050. More than 25 per cent of people over the age of 60 experience a disabling hearing impairment. In addition to the social challenges, this loss -- or reduction -- can increase the risk of cognitive decline by two to three times, said the team, stressing the need for early and preventive hearing care. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 July,2025 05:50 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWhether it's listening to music or attending an online meeting, the use of earphones or headphones has become commonplace in today’s world, particularly among the youth. However, this prevalent listening habit is contributing to a rise in hearing issues among young individuals, including school and college students as well as working professionals, say health experts. Dr Bakul Parulkar, consultant audiologist, speech and voice therapist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, highlights, “With the widespread availability of smartphones, music streaming platforms, and portable gaming devices, young people are spending extended hours with their headphones on —often at dangerously high volumes. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, particularly above 85 decibels, is known to cause Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).” Symptoms such as ear pain, ringing (tinnitus), reduced hearing, and difficulty understanding speech are warning signs of NIHL. Dr Murarji Ghadge, senior ENT surgeon and sleep disorder specialist at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, further explains, “Unlike age-related hearing loss, NIHL can affect anyone exposed to prolonged loud noise — even through personal audio devices that exceed safe sound levels.” This early-onset hearing damage can affect individuals during their most socially and professionally active years, potentially impacting communication, academic or career performance, and mental health. Dr Parulkar points out that more than the devices themselves, it’s the listening habits that are responsible for these hearing issues. According to her, hearing acuity can be affected by: Loud sound levels transmitted through devices like earphones, headphones, earbuds, Bluetooth audio devices, etc. Prolonged listening sessions, even at moderate volume levels Poor-quality audio, which might encourage users to raise the volume to compensate Hence, one of the key issues that needs to be addressed is the lack of awareness about safe listening practices. Guidelines for safe use of earphones and headphones NIHL caused by prolonged or improper use of earphones and headphones can be prevented by following a few simple listening guidelines. “Simple steps like following the 60/60 rule (listening at 60 per cent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time), using noise-cancelling headphones to avoid cranking up the volume, taking listening breaks, and scheduling regular hearing check-ups can make a difference,” says Dr Ghadge. The experts also emphasise that raising awareness among parents, educators, and the youth is essential to reduce the risk of hearing damage caused by the use of audio devices like earphones and headphones. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
16 July,2025 05:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA multidisciplinary team at a Mumbai hospital has successfully performed a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on a 45-year-old man from Mumbai, weighing 212 kg. The patient, who battled multiple obesity-related health conditions, has lost 43 kgs within the first six months of surgery and is on the path to further weight loss. The team at Saifee Hospital led by Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, a bariatric, hernia, and laparoscopic surgeon, treated the patient (who wishes to remain anonymous), who was working as a supervisor in a Gulf country, had been suffering from gradual weight gain over the years. He was diagnosed with high blood pressure three years ago and had obstructive sleep apnoea and struggled with daytime sleepiness, chronic back pain, varicose veins, breathlessness, and swelling in both feet and ankles. He also had acanthosis nigricans (a condition that causes areas of dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases) on his forehead and neck. This skin condition is linked with insulin resistance and is a sign of early diabetes. In the past, he had attempted multiple weight loss diets, each offering short-term success followed by rapid weight regain leading to immense frustration. The weight kept increasing, and as it crossed 165 kg, even basic movement became a struggle, making physical exercise nearly impossible. In the last couple of years, his weight rapidly increased to 212 kg, and his BMI stood at 67.35 kg/sqm, placing him in the very high-risk category. It was then that the patient and his family members consulted Dr Bhasker at hospital. At 212 kg, he was recommended for bariatric surgery as the only viable option for long-term, sustainable weight loss. Bariatric surgery can lead to a weight loss of 35 to 40 per cent of the total body weight. It was the need of the hour because as the weight increases, the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, joint-related problems, and risk of certain cancers increases. Individuals with obesity are more likely to require medical treatment for related conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and joint-related issues. At a BMI of 67.35, the patient’s quality of life was compromised. Bariatric surgery was not just an option; it was a medical necessity. Dr Bhasker further added, “Given the patient’s extreme obesity and multiple comorbidities, a comprehensive preoperative plan was put in place. This included incentive spirometry and breathing exercises to improve lung function, BiPAP support, DVT prophylaxis with compression stockings, medications to manage hypertension, and a 14-day preoperative diet to shrink the liver and reduce abdominal fat. On January 29 in 2025 he underwent a bariatric surgery in the form of a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, where nearly two-thirds of his stomach was removed. This not only restricts the amount of food intake but also triggers beneficial gut hormone changes that support weight loss. It decreases the levels of the hunger hormone- Ghrelin and leads to a surge in the gut hormones like GLP1, GIP, and PYY, which aid in weight loss.” Bariatric surgery, when combined with lifestyle changes, can be a life-saving solution for many. “Following surgery, the patient was placed on a liquid diet for the first 15 days, followed by a soft diet for the next 2 weeks, and then a regular but restricted diet. Nutritional supplements and protein shakes were introduced, and he began light cardio exercises one month after surgery, with weight training scheduled after three months. The patient is doing well now and has already lost 43 kgs in the first six months and has resumed his daily routine with ease. He is expected to lose a lot more weight in the coming months. His comorbidities are in control now,” added Dr Bhasker. “Before the surgery, I couldn’t walk 50 metres without losing my breath. I avoided family gatherings, stopped meeting friends, and slowly started withdrawing from everything I once enjoyed. I was merely surviving, not living. But today, after losing the first 43 kilos, things are finally changing. I’m more active, more present, and most importantly, I feel hopeful,” concluded the patient.
16 July,2025 04:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeverity of menopause symptoms and lack of emotional support are likely reasons why some women experience depression during early menopause, finds a study on Wednesday. Premature menopause, medically known as premature or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a condition in which the ovaries cease to function normally before the age of 40. It has been linked to an elevated lifetime risk for depression and anxiety. Affected women not only experience the effects of oestrogen deficiency, but they also experience the unanticipated loss of reproductive function. However, some women are more adversely affected by depression and anxiety by these changes than others. The study, published online in the journal Menopause, suggests that risk factors include younger age at diagnosis, severity of menopause symptoms, lack of emotional support, and fertility-related grief. “The high prevalence of depressive symptoms in those with POI highlights the importance of routine screening in this vulnerable population,” said Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society. “Addressing behavioural-health concerns with evidence-based interventions should be part of any comprehensive POI care plan,” Christmas added. The study based on 345 women with POI found that the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 29.9 per cent. No significant difference was found in depressive symptoms between women using oestrogen plus progestogen therapy and those not using the therapy. The use of hormone therapy or levels of oestradiol were not associated with depressive symptoms. “Although hormone therapy is recognised as the standard of care for those with POI for management of some menopause-related symptoms and preventive care, it is not a first-line treatment for mood disorders,” said Christmas. “This was evident in this study in which there was no difference in depressive symptoms between those using hormones and those not using hormone therapy. Addressing behavioural-health concerns with evidence-based interventions should be part of any comprehensive POI care plan,” she added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 July,2025 12:42 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSInsomnia, or sleep disturbances, arising out of ADHD's impulsivity could be the reason why adults with ADHD symptoms experience a reduced quality of life, according to a new study. Usually diagnosed during childhood and teenage, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked with restlessness, hyperactivity, and short attention spans. It is the neuro-developmental disorder linked with a delayed maturing of prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is crucial for attention and focus. Researchers, led by those from the University of Southampton, UK, and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, found that ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity in adults were associated with more severe insomnia, a lower sleep quality and preference for going to bed and waking up late. The study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Mental Health, looked at data from the Netherlands Sleep Registry, an online survey of more than ten thousand adult participants. Responses from 1,364 middle-aged and older adult participants on questions about ADHD traits, sleep disturbances, circadian factors, depression and quality of life were analysed. "We know that sleep disruption can impact neurobehavioural and cognitive systems, including attention and emotional regulation. At the same time, sleep disruption may arise from ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity, suggesting a reinforcing cycle between sleep disorders and ADHD," senior author Sarah L Chellappa, associate professor of psychology at the University of Southampton, said. People with ADHD are diagnosed with sleep disorder about eight times more than the general population, which can show up as a delayed onset of sleep, moving more while asleep, daytime sleepiness or a shorter night-time sleep, the authors said. "We show that adult ADHD traits and insomnia severity were significant predictors of lower (quality of life) and that insomnia severity mediated this association," they wrote. Differences in cognition or thought processes among people with ADHD, along with those in sleep and body clock-related genes in ADHD could be potential mechanisms, the team said. "Adults with ADHD traits may be more likely to have low sleep quality, insomnia complaints, and low mood levels, all of which lead to reduced life satisfaction," co-author Samuele Cortese from the University of Southampton said. "There needs to be more research to understand this complex interplay. By improving our understanding, we could uncover treatment options that improve the quality of life of people with ADHD," Cortese said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 July,2025 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe Union Health Ministry on Tuesday termed reports claiming it has directed vendors to put warning labels on food items such as samosas, jalebis and laddos as "misleading, incorrect, and baseless". It clarified that its advisory on health messaging about hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items is not a directive for vendors to put warning labels on their products, and underlined that it does not target India's rich street food culture. The general advisory is a behavioural nudge to make people aware of hidden fats and excess sugar in all food products, and not specifically to any particular food product, the ministry said in a statement. The advisory mentions other messages promoting healthy food such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat options and making suggestions for people to opt for physical activity, such as the use of stairs and short exercises. The ministry had separately issued an advisory, which is an initiative towards making healthier choices at workplaces. It advises displaying boards in workplaces to raise awareness on the harmful consumption of hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items. These boards are meant to serve as daily reminders on fighting obesity, the burden of which is sharply rising in the country, the statement said. "The health ministry advisory does not direct warning labels on food products sold by vendors, and has not been selective towards Indian snacks. It does not target India's rich street food culture," it clarified. The initiative is part of the ministry's flagship initiatives under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Excessive consumption of oil and sugar is a key contributor to the rising rate of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other lifestyle-related diseases. The ministry has urged all ministries and departments to install displays of boards mentioning the sugar and oil content in snacks such as samosa, kachori, pizza, burger, french fries, soft drinks, gulab jamun and vadapav to promote healthy lifestyles and combat obesity and non-communicable diseases. It has also called for printing health messages on all official stationery such as letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders and publications to reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity. While the oil board mentioned snacks such as French fries, burgers, pizza, samosa, pakodas and vadapav, the sugar board included items such as soft drinks, gulab jamun and chocolate pastries. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 July,2025 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe Health Ministry’s directive to put up an oil and sugar board warning the amount of sugar, fat, and oil in popular snacks in all government canteens and restaurants is a big step to curb the growing levels of obesity and boost the Fit India initiative, said health experts on Monday. The health ministry has directed all central institutions to install “oil and sugar boards”. The informative posters and digital boards highlight the harmful impacts of the amount of sugar and oil present in popular food items, including samosas, kachori, pizza, pakoras, banana chips, burgers, soft drinks, and chocolate pastries. It also displays the effects of these foods on the human body as well as shares the recommended amounts of fat and sugar for individual intake. “The colourful posters will tell how much sugar and oil is hidden in the breakfast we eat every day,” cardiologist Dr. Amar Amle from Nagpur, told IANS. “Obesity has become a silent epidemic, and the number is estimated to increase to 44.9 crores by 2050, hence this step of the government is highly commendable, and will help curb obesity. The warning boards are similar to those on cigarettes and tobacco,” Amle said. “The idea behind this is that people should be aware of their health, people should know while eating samosa and jalebi how much sugar, oil and fat is there in the food they are eating,” Amle told IANS, adding that the initiative in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India, will help build a healthier nation. Milind Deora, MP, in a post on social media platform X noted that the Parliamentary Subordinate Legislation Committee is currently reviewing food regulator FSSAI’s plans to tackle India’s growing obesity crisis. “We have unanimously advocated uniform regulations across all food categories, including alcohol, so Indian food isn’t unfairly targeted while MNCs continue to market Western junk unchecked”. In May, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a directive to schools to install "sugar boards" in schools. Health experts noted that the public health measure also aligns with global nutrition goals, and will help India fight the menace of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA, told IANS that excessive consumption of sugar and oil, along with lack of physical activity, is a major driver of obesity and NCDs. “Early nutritional awareness is crucial. Providing clear labelling and dietary education in schools empowers children to make healthier food choices before these chronic conditions set in,” Jayadevan said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 July,2025 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
