Government Efforts to Reduce Obesity
Governments across the world, including India, have recognized obesity as a critical public health issue and implemented various policies and programs to address it. Here are the key initiatives:
1. Global Frameworks and Commitments
- World Health Organization (WHO):
- WHO's Global Action Plan on NCDs 2013-2020 aims to reduce the prevalence of obesity through awareness, prevention, and treatment strategies.
- Set target: Reduce the prevalence of obesity by 25% by 2025.
- Guidelines for reducing sugar consumption, promoting physical activity, and healthy food environments.
2. Indian Government Initiatives
a) National Health Policies
- National Health Policy (NHP) 2017:
- Emphasizes the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity.
- Advocates for a multi-sectoral approach to promote healthy lifestyles.
b) Specific Programs
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS):
- Focuses on reducing the prevalence of obesity as part of efforts to control NCDs.
- Includes screening for obesity and related conditions in healthcare facilities.
c) Eat Right India Movement
- Led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
- Aims to transform India’s food ecosystem.
- Promotes healthy eating habits through awareness campaigns and regulation of packaged foods.
- Front-of-pack labeling for high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods.
d) School and Child-Centric Interventions
- Fit India Movement (2019):
- Promotes physical activity among school children and citizens.
- Encourages institutions to adopt fitness plans and participate in regular physical activities.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme:
- Ensures provision of nutritious meals in schools, reducing reliance on unhealthy foods.
- Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission):
- Targets malnutrition, including obesity, by promoting balanced nutrition and lifestyle awareness.
3. Regulatory and Fiscal Measures
- Taxation on Sugary Beverages and Junk Foods:
- India has introduced higher GST (28%) on sugary drinks and processed foods to discourage consumption.
- Advertising Restrictions:
- Regulates advertisements for high-calorie foods targeting children.
4. Urban Planning and Infrastructure
- Encouraging walking-friendly and cycling-friendly urban designs.
- Promoting open spaces and public parks for physical activity.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns
- Eat Healthy Campaigns:
- Dissemination of dietary guidelines by ICMR-NIN (Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute of Nutrition).
- Social Media and Mass Media Campaigns:
- Focused on creating awareness about the health risks of obesity and the importance of an active lifestyle.
6. Collaborative Initiatives
- Partnerships with private organizations, non-profits, and international bodies to combat obesity.
- Global Health Initiatives like WHO’s collaboration with India on reducing NCDs.
Conclusion
While India has made significant strides in addressing obesity through policies, programs, and awareness campaigns, the challenge remains substantial due to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and changing dietary patterns. A continued focus on education, regulation, and grassroots interventions is critical to achieving long-term success in reducing obesity prevalence.
