Beating obesity the smart way: Millets, movement and mindful living

An Indian meal once meant a warm, home-cooked dish, complete with millets, lentils, fresh vegetables and natural oil. People walked more, worked harder physically and lived simpler lives. Today, this has changed.

- Dr Meenakshi Jain

An Indian meal once meant a warm, home-cooked dish, complete with millets, lentils, fresh vegetables and natural oil. People walked more, worked harder physically and lived simpler lives. Today, this has changed. Nine-to-five office jobs, long commutes and fast food have taken over, and obesity has turned into a serious public health concern.

Obesity is often seen as just excess weight, but it's much more than that. It increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, hormonal imbalances and certain types of cancer. The emotional toll is also significant; many people face sleep disturbances, anxiety, and body image issues, which can make weight loss feel daunting.

However, combining the wisdom of traditional Indian habits with modern health strategies can offer a way forward.

UNDERSTANDING THE INDIAN BMI CRITERIA The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple tool to find out whether you're at a healthy weight or not. It is determined by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared.