Weight problems has emerged as a rising well being concern, with alarming statistics indicating a pointy rise in instances through the years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lately introduced this challenge into focus, urging folks to chop down on edible oil consumption by 10% as a easy but efficient step towards higher well being.
In his Mann Ki Baat broadcast on February 23, he mentioned, “In the course of the opening of the Nationwide Video games in Dehradun, I raised an important subject, which has began a brand new dialogue within the nation – this subject is ‘weight problems’. To develop into a match and wholesome nation, we will definitely must take care of the issue of weight problems.” He additionally emphasised that weight problems is not only a private problem however a nationwide concern that requires collective motion.
To take this initiative ahead, PM Modi nominated 10 outstanding personalities on February 24, together with industrialists, sportspersons, politicians, and artists, encouraging them to unfold consciousness and encourage others to make related adjustments. He wrote on X: “As talked about in yesterday’s #MannKiBaat, I wish to nominate the next folks to assist strengthen the combat towards weight problems and unfold consciousness on lowering edible oil consumption in meals. I additionally request them to appoint 10 folks every in order that our motion will get greater!”
These nominees embrace industrialists Anand Mahindra and Nandan Nilekani, sportspersons Manu Bhaker and Mirabai Chanu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MP Mohanlal and Sudha Murthy, BJP chief Dinesh Lal Yadav, actor R Madhavan and singer Shreya Ghosal.
As this dialogue features momentum, it raises essential questions on how dietary habits contribute to weight problems and what broader steps might be taken to deal with this rising disaster.
What occurs if you eat extreme edible oil?
Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, marketing consultant surgical gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Oils are extremely calorie-dense, that means even small portions can contribute considerably to general calorie consumption. When mixed with different components like a sedentary life-style, extreme consumption of processed meals, and excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates, the chance of weight problems will increase considerably.”
Kanikka Malhotra, marketing consultant dietician and authorized diabetes educator provides, “Oil consumption can contribute to weight problems by rising general power consumption, significantly if it isn’t balanced with different dietary parts. Nevertheless, its influence is usually overshadowed by different components, comparable to extreme consumption of ultra-processed meals and refined carbohydrates, that are extra strongly linked to weight problems. Life-style components like bodily exercise and general dietary stability additionally considerably affect weight problems danger.”
As talked about in yesterday’s #MannKiBaat, I wish to nominate the next folks to assist strengthen the combat towards weight problems and unfold consciousness on lowering edible oil consumption in meals. I additionally request them to appoint 10 folks every in order that our motion will get greater!… pic.twitter.com/bpzmgnXsp4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2025
Wholesome methods for lowering oil consumption
To scale back oil consumption with out compromising vitamin and style, Malhotra suggests contemplating more healthy cooking strategies like steaming, air-frying, grilling, or baking. “For Indian cooking, go for cheaper but nutritious oils comparable to sunflower, groundnut, or mustard oil. These oils present important fatty acids and can be utilized reasonably to keep up flavour and dietary worth.”
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Concurring, Dr Srinivasan provides that practising portion management by measuring oil fastidiously and limiting oil-based dressings and sauces can forestall extra calorie consumption. As an alternative of counting on oils for wholesome fat, incorporating avocados, nuts, and seeds into meals supplies important vitamins with out pointless energy. “Moreover, paying shut consideration to meals labels and monitoring the fats content material of packaged meals may also help make knowledgeable decisions and scale back hidden sources of unhealthy fat within the weight loss program,” he states.
Combatting childhood weight problems
To fight rising childhood weight problems, mother and father ought to promote a balanced weight loss program wealthy in fruits, greens, complete grains, and lean proteins whereas limiting saturated fat and sugars. “Encouraging common bodily exercise, comparable to not less than 60 minutes day by day, and lowering display time to lower than two hours can be essential,” notes Malhotra.
“Past weight loss program, life-style changes are equally essential — encouraging common bodily exercise, lowering display time, and selling outside play may also help forestall weight acquire and enhance general well-being. Making certain youngsters get adequate sleep by constant bedtime routines additional helps wholesome metabolism and weight administration,” concludes Dr Srinivasan.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
