Eating right and ensuring awareness about it, is a collective responsibility of the government, industry, academia and individuals, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda
Bengaluru: Emphasizing the urgent need to address the rising burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda stated that “the awareness initiative to stop obesity is a timely step towards educating people about the health risks of poor dietary habits and encouraging them to embrace balanced, nutritious food” and underlined that “for a Viksit Bharat, a healthy India is necessary and that can be ensured through the right types of food, healthy food habits and healthy lifestyle.”
Nadda was delivering the keynote address at a special programme themed “Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy” at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India in Bengaluru,
Recognizing the alarming trend of rising obesity, citing the ICMR–India Diabetes (INDIAB) study, Shri Nadda stated that “from 2008 to 2020, obesity in urban, India has increased by 39.6%, while it has increased 23.1% in rural areas.” He also cited another study that projects that by 2050, 1/3 population of the country will be obese.
Highlighting the negative impact of ultra processed foods on health, Nadda urged all to be careful of their food habits and adhere to nutritious food that brings healthy changes to one’s mind and body. He further added that “eating right is a right that one must exercise. Eating right and ensuring awareness about it, is a collective responsibility of the government, industry, academia and individuals.”
The Union Health Minister underlined the importance of safe, healthy and nutritious food along with the benefits of a balanced diet that can ensure increased immunity. Shri Nadda reaffirmed the commitment towards this year’s World Food Safety Day theme i.e. “Food Safety: Science in Action”.
Nadda urged all stakeholders to respond to the Prime Minister’s clarion call and reduce oil consumption by 10% and reduce salt intake that can be ensured through awareness towards right food habits.
Nadda also commended the innovative behavioural change strategy i.e., the widespread promotion of Sugar and Oil Boards across schools, workplaces and public institutions, developed by FSSAI under the aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare that serve as powerful visual advocacy tools, displaying clear, relatable information about hidden sugars and fats in everyday food items.
By embedding these messages in common spaces- canteens, corridors, meeting rooms, they subtly nudge individuals to make healthier choices. He also suggested that to make the initiative more effective, calories intake should also be highlighted along with sugar and urged for incorporating awareness in the curriculum.
Emphasizing the importance of traditional foods,Nadda urged all to “go for traditional foods that include foods like millets and revive them to ensure health for all.” He further highlighted the importance of informed choices and lifestyle changes and remarked that food safety habits are a continuous process that needs to be made a part of our lives and turned into a movement to ‘eat right’ while adhering to food safety norms.”
Durning her special address, Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare emphasized the efforts for leveraging science, bringing surveillance and risk assessment systems to ensure safe and secure food for all.
The ‘Eat Right Activity Book– Your Guide to Eat Right at School’, a key resource under the Eat Right School initiative was also launched during the event. Designed to promote awareness of food safety, hygiene, and nutrition among school children, the book features engaging, age-appropriate activities across primary, middle, and high school levels.