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Amid rising levels of obesity—a precursor to a host of diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and cancers—Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent clarion call to fight obesity and reduce oil consumption has been widely endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), medical professionals, and sportspersons across India.
During his address at the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games in Dehradun, the Prime Minister highlighted the growing obesity crisis in the country and its serious health implications. As part of the Fit India Movement, he emphasized the importance of regular exercise and a balanced diet, with a specific focus on cutting down unhealthy fats and oils. Modi proposed a novel suggestion of reducing daily oil consumption by 10 per cent to combat obesity-related illnesses.
The health community has responded positively to the Prime Minister’s initiative. The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO SEARO) echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the need for regular physical activity and a nutritious diet to curb obesity and prevent non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for regular physical activity and balanced nutritious diet to address growing #obesity and related non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease,” WHO SEARO stated on social media platform X.
Doctors from leading hospitals across the country have also voiced their support for this initiative. Gautam Khanna, CEO of P.D. Hinduja Hospital, underscored the significance of preventive healthcare, urging people to prioritize their health and reduce obesity-related risks. Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Founder Director of Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services, stressed the urgency of tackling obesity at a national level and called for collective action.
Several medical institutions and organizations, including the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Tata Memorial Hospital, and the Endocrine Society of Delhi, have backed the movement. The IDA pointed out the link between oral health and obesity, noting that both are influenced by similar dietary and lifestyle choices.
“Oral health and obesity are deeply interconnected through shared risk factors like diet and lifestyle,” the IDA stated on X.
The Endocrine Society of Delhi further emphasized the need for awareness, saying, “Honourable PM talked about the rapidly yet silently spreading epidemic of obesity and its associated co-morbidities such as diabetes and heart diseases.”
The campaign has also received enthusiastic support from sportspersons and Bollywood celebrities. Boxer Vijender Singh applauded PM Modi’s efforts, calling the initiative commendable. Actor Akshay Kumar, known for his focus on fitness, urged people to prioritize good sleep, fresh air, and sunlight, while avoiding processed foods and maintaining a regular workout routine to fight obesity.
Disclaimer
While PM Modi’s initiative has garnered widespread support from various sectors, individual dietary and exercise plans should be tailored to personal health needs. It is advisable to consult healthcare professionals before making significant changes to diet or physical activity. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
