Healthy nudges: Think before you eat

The time is ripe for India to have a transparent, equitable labelling regulatory framework that prioritises public health over commercial interests

- JAYA JUMRANI Senior scientist, ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (ICAR-NIAP)

AT THE INAUGURATION of the 38th National Games in Dehradun and in a Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles and reduce edible oil consumption by 10%. In response, the ministry of health and family welfare has launched an initiative to promote healthier eating habits by installing oil and sugar display boards in schools, offices, and public institutions.

The ministry's advisory also suggests printing health messages on all official stationery and publications and encouraging physical activity routines at workplaces as daily reminders to avoid obesity. These efforts stem from India's growing obesity epidemic and the rapidly rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related conditions.

By 2050, India is projected to have the world's second-largest number of overweight or obese adults. The National Family Health Survey-5 estimates reveal rising overweight and obesity among those aged between 15 and 49 years. Overweight women in rural areas have increased from 6.2% in 2005-06 to 15.2% in 2019-21, while obesity rates among rural women and men have nearly trebled. Urban areas show even higher rates, with one in four adults being overweight (see graphic).