WAYS OF EATING, Pg8.

Key Highlights:

• A recent ICMR-INDIAB survey reveals that the typical Indian diet is heavily skewed towards carbohydrates, contributing 62% of daily calories.
• The survey, conducted across 36 states and UTs with a sample of 1,21,077 adults, also found sub-optimal protein consumption.
• Childhood obesity is on the rise, with over 12 million children being overweight in 2022, compared to 0.4 million in 1990.
• The CBSE has directed affiliated schools to set up sugar boards to highlight the dangers of excessive sugar consumption.

Detailed Insights:

• The survey highlights a concerning trend of Indians being both overfed (excess carbs) and undernourished (protein deficiency), despite rising prosperity.
• Besides tackling ultra-processed foods, there's a need to address the lack of awareness about macronutrient composition in the average Indian diet.
• Government initiatives promoting millets may not be sufficient as they don't address the core issues of carb overindulgence and protein deficiency.
• Policies like excluding eggs from midday meal schemes need reconsideration, prioritizing nutrition science and public health.
• A strategy is needed to overhaul dietary habits, focusing on balanced nutrition for both children and adults, which is a challenging but necessary task.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Macronutrients: Essential nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) required in large amounts for energy and bodily functions.
• ICMR-INDIAB: A collaborative study by the Indian Council of Medical Research focused on diabetes in India.
• Midday Meal Scheme: A school meal programme in India aimed at improving the nutritional status of school-age children.