Prime Minister Urges 10% Reduction in Edible Oil Consumption to Combat Obesity

 Prime Minister Urges 10% Reduction in Edible Oil Consumption to Combat Obesity

The Prime Minister recently called for a 10% reduction in edible oil consumption, citing alarming global obesity trends. In 2022, one in eight people worldwide were living with obesity, with cases among children and adolescents (aged 5 to 19) having quadrupled.

About Obesity
Obesity is defined as the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that poses a risk to health, according to the World Health Organization. It is typically classified using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared (kg/m²).

• A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight.
• A BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese.

Health Consequences:
Obesity is linked to a range of health issues, including rising cases of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases.

Obesity in India (NFHS-5, 2019-2021)

• 24% of women and 23% of men are overweight or obese.
• The rate of overweight children under 5 years old increased from 2.1% in 2015-16 to 3.4% in 2019-21.

Factors Contributing to Obesity in India:

1. High-Calorie, Low-Nutrient Diets: The increased consumption of refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and the easy availability of processed foods.
2. Sedentary Lifestyles: Long periods of sitting, excessive screen time, and minimal physical activity.
3. Use of Genetically Modified Crops: Changes in food composition that may impact metabolism and contribute to weight gain.

Tags : UPSC 2025 current affairs preparation, UPSC current affairs January 2025, UPSC 2025 daily current affairs, Best sources for UPSC current affairs 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs for prelims, UPSC 2025 current affairs for mains, Important current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC current affairs strategy 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs notes, UPSC current affairs PDF 2025, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 preparation, UPSC 2025 current affairs online classes, UPSC current affairs quiz 2025, How to study current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs magazines, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 prelims and mains, Current affairs updates for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs analysis, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 PDF download, UPSC 2025 current affairs important topics,