Experts red-flag ultra-processed foods retail surge, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Ultra-processed food retail sales in India increased from $0.9 billion in 2006 to $38 billion in 2019.
• Obesity in India has doubled during the same period, affecting 28.6% of the population.
• ICMR-INDIAB data (2023) shows 11.4% of Indians have diabetes, 15.3% have prediabetes, and 39.5% have abdominal obesity.
• Childhood obesity rose from 2.1% to 3.4% between 2016 and 2019-21, according to the National Family Health Survey.
• The Lancet study warns about the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods globally, including in India.

Detailed Insights:

• The rise in ultra-processed food consumption is linked to increased rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues.
• Ultra-processed foods are replacing traditional meals due to aggressive marketing, but India lacks effective regulations to control this.
• Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to an intake of at least 500 extra calories per day, contributing to visceral obesity.
• Indians are genetically predisposed to visceral obesity and metabolic diseases, making them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods.
• Uniform food policies are needed globally to address the challenge posed by the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods.

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Key Concepts Involved:

• Ultra-processed foods: Industrial formulations made mostly from refined ingredients and additives, often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
• Visceral obesity: The accumulation of excess fat around the abdominal organs, associated with increased health risks.
• Non-communicable diseases: Diseases that are not infectious and cannot be transmitted, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.