On Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi During his speech at an event in Silvassa warned that India faces an alarming increase in obesity because nearly 44 crore Indians could develop obesity by 2050 if no action is taken. Modi declared this obesity data to be “huge and alarming” while he emphasised that immediate lifestyle modifications were essential to address the developing public health crisis. The Prime Minister warned that obesity rates will reach dangerous levels by 2050 because one-third of India’s population will develop the condition.
During his speech the Prime Minister asked citizens to actively fight obesity since he considered it the basic cause behind other diseases. Modi made a nationwide call for consumers to decrease their daily cooking oil consumption by 10 per cent through his message to “spare 10 per cent of daily oil usage.” During his address he emphasised that daily activities should include walking and cycling since these promote a healthier way of living.
Obesity a Key Concern for PM Modi
Obesity and lifestyle diseases stood as the principal subject during Modi’s Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli tour. As his trip started the Prime Minister began his activities by establishing new 450-bed hospital facilities at Silvassa and various child care centers along with educational establishments across the region. During his visit to Surat Modi implemented a food security campaign which worked to provide nutritious food accessible to every resident.
Beyond his current statements Modi has been actively advancing public health objectives. In his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address from February Modi warned about the escalating child obesity rates in the country by suggesting audiences adopt minor but impactful lifestyle adjustments for their diet. Statistics revealed by him showed that obesity levels doubled recently alongside increased prevalence that affects one in every eight Indian individuals. The increasing numbers of obese children stand out as a serious concern to Modi because their obesity rates are escalating quickly.
PM’s Initiative to Fight Obesity
As part of a national campaign against obesity, Modi has enlisted prominent public figures to help spread awareness. Through social media, he nominated influencers from various fields, including athletes, actors, and business leaders, to encourage their followers to reduce oil consumption and live healthier lives. These efforts are part of a broader push to encourage citizens to adopt a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity.
The global obesity crisis is also a cause for concern, with recent studies published in ‘The Lancet’ projecting that over half of the world’s adult population will be overweight or obese by 2050. India is already contributing significantly to this alarming trend, with obesity rates rising sharply among adults, adolescents, and children. Modi’s comments reflect the increasing urgency of addressing this issue before it reaches crisis levels.
Govt Launches Health Initiatives, Including 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras
In his remarks, the Prime Minister also announced plans to open 25,000 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India, which aim to provide affordable medicines to the public, thus helping people manage their health better. Modi’s vision is clear: a healthy nation is essential for achieving the country’s goals of development. He concluded by encouraging the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to work together in transforming the region into a prosperous, developed area, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s success story.
Through these efforts, Modi hopes to spark a nationwide movement towards better health and well-being, ensuring that India takes the necessary steps to curb the rising obesity epidemic and prevent its negative impact on the nation’s future.
