The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MARCH 4, 2025
Obesity is a complex and multifactorial challenge that demands a comprehensive, collective effort for effective prevention and management, said Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, at the ‘National Obesity Summit’ organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on the occasion of on Tuesday.
Dr. Singh, who is also a Professor of Medicine and renowned Diabetologist, underscoreWorld Obesity Dayd that obesity is not merely a lifestyle issue but a major public health crisis necessitating coordinated action from the government, industry, medical fraternity, and society at large. Citing alarming statistics, he highlighted that India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, with over 1.4 crore children affected. He warned against the cultural norm of celebrating chubby babies, stressing that central obesity is an independent and serious health risk factor, particularly among Indians.
The Minister elaborated on the unique vulnerability of the Indian phenotype to central obesity, noting that even lean-looking Indians often have higher visceral fat percentages compared to their Western counterparts. He pointed out that while traditional Indian attire may mask central obesity, it does not eliminate the associated health risks.
Emphasizing the importance of preventive action, Dr. Singh recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advocacy for healthier lifestyles. He noted that PM Modi has repeatedly addressed obesity in his Mann Ki Baat broadcasts and public interactions, even urging citizens to reduce their food intake by 10%. He praised the Prime Minister’s ability to transform messages into mass movements, citing successful initiatives like Swachh Bharat and the COVID-19 response, and called for a similar approach to combat obesity.
Expressing concern over the rising obesity prevalence despite increasing awareness, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed to the paradox of growing fitness consciousness alongside escalating obesity rates. He stressed that the issue must be addressed with both scientific rigor and societal commitment. He also highlighted the economic burden obesity places on families, with many struggling to afford long-term treatment for metabolic disorders.
Advocating for a strategic response, the Minister urged a strong industry-government partnership to develop cost-effective and universal obesity screening models. “This is not a fight for diabetologists or obesity specialists alone; it requires a national commitment involving policymakers, medical experts, and industry leaders,” he asserted. He proposed a public-private model where routine health screenings include obesity markers, particularly in hospital settings, to enable early diagnosis and intervention.
Dr. Singh also cautioned against the growing popularity of quick-fix solutions like weight-loss injections and fad diets, emphasizing that sustainable lifestyle changes are the only effective approach. “The real solution lies in self-discipline—understanding our body, regulating our diet, and adopting a balanced approach to health,” he said. He humorously remarked on the trend of intermittent fasting and calorie-counting apps, suggesting that past generations would have found such concepts amusing.
Concluding his address, the Union Minister called for immediate action rather than waiting for annual summits to reiterate the same concerns. “Obesity is not just a personal concern; it is a national responsibility. As we envision India in 2047, we must ensure that our young population remains healthy, productive, and free from preventable lifestyle diseases,” he asserted.
The summit witnessed participation from leading medical experts, policymakers, and industry representatives, all of whom echoed the need for systemic-level collective action to combat obesity effectively.
