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Mint
8 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
Two-thirds of Indian adolescents swayed by food ads; higher taxes on sugary, fatty foods may help curb rising obesity
New Delhi: An overwhelming 67.57% of adolescents in India are influenced by ads when making their food choices, a large nationwide survey has found, amid a focus on child obesity as a major lifestyle-related health concern. The survey of 143,000 adolescent respondents was conducted in 2022 as part of the Let's Fix Our Food initiative, a public-private partnership between the Public Health Foundation of India, the Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Nutrition, and UNICEF. The findings are currently undergoing peer review for publication in a scientific journal. Unhealthy food advertising, often using celebrity endorsements and games, heavily influences young people's food choices, contributing to rising obesity and related diseases. The policy brief stated that in India, 90% of ads for children and youth on TV are for High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods. Studies show such ads increase consumption; for example, children watching cartoon food ads ate 45% more. It said that current Indian advertising rules, especially the 2022 guidelines, are weak, lacking clear definitions for "junk foods" or child-targeted ads. India must strengthen these rules with clear definitions and wider scope to protect everyone, not just children. Countries like Chile and South Korea prove strong, mandatory ad restrictions work. With projections from the World Obesity Atlas 2022 indicating that over 27 million Indian children and adolescents could be affected by obesity by 2030, the survey highlighted that unhealthy eating habits and insufficient physical activity are key drivers of overweight and obesity among young people. The survey found that nearly half (49.46%) of respondents receive most of their nutrition information from schools. However, economic barriers play a significant role, with 30.7% of adolescents citing high prices as an obstacle to healthy foods. While a large majority (72.58%) of adolescents said they do read nutrition information on food products, over half (62.81%) said this information should be simplified. Additionally, around 43.88% of adolescents believe that providing more information about unhealthy food items could deter them from consumption. The outcomes of the LFOF initiative, including a detailed policy brief, were recently discussed at a high-level stakeholder consultation in the presence of Dr V.K. Paul, member, NITI Aayog, and D Rajiv Bahl, director general, ICMR. To combat this growing crisis, the initiative urges the government to tighten regulations on advertisements for unhealthy food products targeting children. Other crucial recommendations include introducing health taxes on high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods and ensuring clear, simplified nutrition information on food packaging. 'Develop guidelines for clear front-of-pack nutrition information on packaged foods and regulate HFSS food consumption. Introduce health taxes on HFSS foods. Enforce the ban on HFSS foods in and around educational institutions, as per FSSAI guidelines. Implement programs to make healthy foods more affordable and accessible and Avoid partnerships with corporations promoting HFSS foods among adolescents," the policy brief said. Prof. Monika Arora, Vice President, Research and Health Promotion, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), stated, 'The recommendations such as the introduction of health taxes on HFSS foods and clearer front-of-pack nutrition labelling are presently under discussion. They have been shared with relevant stakeholders. These discussions are part of a growing national and global movement towards creating healthier food environments for children and adolescents." Addressing HFSS Food Marketing On the taxation front, the document said that health taxes are crucial in India to combat obesity and related diseases driven by unhealthy foods like sugary drinks. It said that the WHO endorses taxation as a cost-effective solution, already adopted by over 70 countries. A modelling study on fiscal policies in India found that a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) could reduce overweight and obesity by 3% and type 2 diabetes by 1.6% with the largest relative effect expected among young rural men. 'Extending similar strategies to unhealthy foods especially those aggressively marketed to children could play a critical role in safeguarding public health," Prof Arora said. Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist and ICMR Director General, welcomed the crucial findings of the survey, reiterating that the rising trends of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India are directly linked to the significant impact of advertising on adolescents' food choices. This, coupled with poor diet and lack of physical activity, predisposes them to NCDs, making immediate action essential to reverse the trend. She emphasized the need for strict advertising regulations to prevent unsubstantiated claims, especially for products targeting children with appealing characters or gifts, which are often high in fat and sugar. She also called for effective front-of-pack labeling, suggesting a clear A, B (healthy) and C, D (unhealthy) system based on fat, sugar, and salt content, rather than the proposed star labeling by FSSAI. Furthermore, she advocated for health taxes on tobacco, sweets, and high-fat/sugar foods, similar to those in countries like Thailand. While acknowledging that such taxes in India currently contribute to the general treasury, she stressed that ideally, these funds should directly benefit public health schemes and educational campaigns to deter unhealthy consumption. Echoing these concerns, Dr. Suranjeet Chatterjee, Senior Consultant at the Internal Medicine Department, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha in Delhi, emphasized the critical need for strict regulation of advertisements in India. He highlighted that endorsements by film stars and other prominent figures significantly impact not only children but also adults. Dr Chatterjee stressed that food labeling must clearly indicate the amounts of fat, sugar, salt, and calories. He noted a concerning shift in food consumption patterns, leading to a rise in heart disease, blood pressure, and diabetes at much younger ages. "Earlier, very rarely would patients in the age group of 30-35 years come with problems of heart disease, but now, the percentage has increased in the age group of 25-35 years," he stated, underlining the urgency of addressing these lifestyle-related health issues. 'The findings of the report indicate that 68% of adolescents are influenced by food advertisements, and nearly 31% reported that high food prices prevent them from eating healthy. These insights highlight the urgent need to improve affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods for young people. Addressing childhood obesity must remain a national priority, with stronger policies on food environment, nutrition education, physical activity, and front of pack nutrition labeling and its skill-based literacy, supported by community engagement and cross-sectoral collaboration, said Preetu Mishra, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF. The findings reinforce the need for system-level policy interventions to reshape the food environment. Among the key recommendations is the introduction of health taxes on HFSS foods (Food high in fat, salt and sugar), which is supported by global and regional evidence showing their impact on reducing consumption of unhealthy foods and incentivizing better industry practices. WHO recommends taxation as one of the most cost-effective tools. An increasing number of countries have taken steps to implement fiscal policies that promote healthy diets, with 115 countries taxing sugar-sweetened beverages nationally as of February 2024. An additional 41 countries have applied national taxation on a variety of unhealthy food categories, Mishra added.
The Hindu
14 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
SB43154 drug used in cancer research shows promise against COVID-19 in preclinical studies: Scientists
After a long battle and research, Indian scientists have found out that a drug used in cancer studies has the potential to provide substantial protection against the coronavirus infection in preclinical studies. Remarkably, even after more than 50 consecutive generations exposed to the drug, the virus was unable to develop resistance. Scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have jointly found that the drug -- SB431542, an ALK5 inhibitor -- is highly effective against the coronavirus. Study findings This discovery was a collaborative effort between the National Centre for Veterinary Type Culture in Hisar and National Institute of Virology (NIV) under the ICMR in Pune, said NIV Director Dr Naveen Kumar. The study was first released as a preprint on bioRxiv and has since been accepted for publication in the Journal of Virology. If future human trials confirm its effectiveness, the drug could become a groundbreaking tool in the fight against COVID-19. Since December 2019, when the coronavirus emerged from China's Wuhan, it has spread to nearly every country in the world. Since 2020, more than 30 anti-Covid vaccines have received the World Health Organization's (WHO) approval for global use. "However, health experts believe vaccines alone are not enough. The virus continues to mutate, and many existing treatments like Remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies will quickly lose effectiveness," Kumar said. In this context, Indian scientists have been screening small molecule inhibitors that mainly target cellular kinases and phosphatases. One such compound, SB431542 -- originally developed to block TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-beta) signalling and commonly used in preclinical cancer, inflammation and fibrosis research -- has now been found by Indian researchers to also inhibit the coronavirus effectively. Kumar explained that SB431542 fights the virus in three fronts. It first blocks the virus from entering human cells by targeting the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Secondly, it disrupts the ability of the virus to assemble inside cells by interfering with ORF3a-related lysosomal dysfunction. Finally, it prevents the virus from killing the infected cell (a process called apoptosis), which helps stop the virus from escaping and spreading to other cells. This three-pronged approach has not been observed in any existing antiviral drug. Interestingly, the drug acted through both direct and indirect mechanisms -- it directly targets the viral ORF3a protein and indirectly hinders the virus by blocking the host cell's TGF-β signaling pathway. SB431542 was also tested against the chicken coronavirus (Infectious Bronchitis Virus or IBV) in specific pathogen-free chicken embryos. Embryos treated with the drug developed normally and showed no mortality, while those in the untreated control group failed to develop properly and did not survive. Kumar emphasised that even after exposing the virus to the drug over 50 successive generations (passage), it failed to develop resistance. This suggests that the chances of the virus evolving a drug-resistant variant against this compound are extremely low. This is a major advancement over existing antivirals like Remdesivir, against which the virus builds resistance quickly.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Brain tumours: when a headache, memory lapse, or seizure deserves a second look
Every year, over 40,000 individuals in India are diagnosed with brain tumours, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Yet, in many cases, the diagnosis comes too late. The early warning signs—often subtle, fleeting, or mistaken for everyday stress—are overlooked until symptoms become severe. Following the observance of World Brain Day on July 22 , it is vital to recognise that timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary care can make a significant difference in not only survival, but also in long-term recovery and quality of life for patients and their families. When the body whispers Brain tumours are complex. They vary in type, location, and behaviour—and so do their symptoms. In clinical practice, I often see patients who, in hindsight, experienced signs long before their diagnosis. These early symptoms are frequently dismissed as benign issues: a tension headache, forgetfulness, vision strain, or clumsiness. Common symptoms of brain tumours include: Persistent or worsening headaches Memory lapses or personality changes Difficulty in speaking or finding words Blurred or double vision New-onset seizures Trouble with balance or coordination It is important to understand that many of these symptoms—particularly headaches, giddiness, or occasional forgetfulness—are very common and more often than not due to benign conditions like migraines, tension headaches, or positional vertigo. Not every headache warrants a brain scan. However, when these symptoms are unusual in pattern, progressively worsening, or accompanied by other neurological signs, a medical evaluation is essential. The key challenge is that these symptoms can appear mild or sporadic, leading to delays in seeking medical attention. But when the brain is affected—even subtly—it often tries to signal distress. We need to listen more closely. Children are not immune One of the most overlooked realities is that brain tumours affect children too. Among paediatric populations, tumours in the cerebellum—such as medulloblastoma—are relatively common. The signs, however, may not always be easy to spot. In children, red flags include: Headaches, especially in the morning Repeated vomiting without a clear cause Unsteady gait or difficulty walking Clumsiness or frequent falls Unlike adults, children may not articulate their discomfort clearly. A parent's intuition, in such cases, becomes crucial. Prompt neurological evaluation can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, which significantly improves outcomes. With timely surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and structured rehabilitation, many children not only survive but go on to live full, healthy adult lives. The ripple effects of a brain tumour The impact of a brain tumour extends far beyond the individual. It disrupts family dynamics, imposes financial burdens, and creates emotional strain for caregivers. It can affect workplace productivity and community engagement. That is why recovery must be viewed not just through a medical lens but a social one. When treated early, many patients return to school, work, and community life. The difference lies in how quickly the tumour is recognised and how comprehensively it is managed. The power of modern tools and teamwork Neuro-oncology teams use a suite of advanced tools designed to enhance precision and safety: neuronavigation systems function like GPS during surgery, guiding the surgeon with remarkable accuracy. High-resolution operating microscopes allow us to see deep brain structures clearly. Awake craniotomy enables patients to stay awake during surgery to protect speech and movement centres. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring helps preserve critical brain functions during complex procedures. Comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation ensures that recovery continues well beyond the operating room. These innovations help us safely access delicate regions of the brain while preserving the patient's independence and cognitive function. A realistic, hopeful outlook While early detection improves prognosis, it is important to acknowledge that not all brain tumours behave predictably. Some aggressive tumours may resist treatment even when diagnosed early. Others may lie dormant and symptom-free for extended periods. That said, the opportunity for meaningful intervention exists at nearly every stage. Whether through surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation, or supportive therapies, modern neuro-oncology offers real hope—particularly when treatment is tailored to the individual. Brain tumours don't always present dramatically. They may arrive disguised as a persistent headache, an uncharacteristic lapse in memory, or a subtle speech difficulty. In children, they may be hidden behind a morning vomit or a minor fall. These are not signs to ignore. This World Brain Day, let us renew our commitment to awareness and early action. By paying attention to the whispers, we can catch the signs sooner, act faster, and improve the lives of those affected. Because sometimes, listening to the smallest signals leads to the biggest differences. (Dr. Komal Prasad C. is a senior consultant – neurosurgery, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. drkomalprasad@
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: AdFalciVax and the fight against malaria — What you must-know for UPSC Exam
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC Current Affairs Knowledge Nugget for today on AdFalciVax and malaria. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited the country's vaccine manufacturers to partner with it to launch and sell a malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax, that its Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneshwar, has developed. In this context, let's know about this new vaccine and malaria. 1. AdFalciVax is a chimeric recombinant vaccine — a type of vaccine that uses different parts of the genes of a pathogen (in this case, Plasmodium) to create target proteins that trigger an immune response after being injected. 2. AdFalciVax uses two types of target proteins to prevent the spread of infection in two different ways. ↪ It uses the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) to prevent infection in the person who has been immunised. The CSP is produced during the sporozoite stage (when a parasite can infect a new host) and the liver stage (when a parasite enters liver cells, multiplies, and then infects red blood cells) of the parasite. 'Any immune response generated against these stages protects the immunised person from getting the infection.' Subhash Singh, project manager for development of the vaccine at the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar told The Indian Express. ↪ The vaccine also uses the Pro6C protein, a fusion of parts of two different proteins — Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 — produced by Plasmodium falciparum. This protein prevents the spread of infection in the community. 3. Researchers have found that AdFalciVax provided more than 90% protection against infection in mice. The candidate vaccine has yet to undergo rigorous human trials, and the preliminary results have been obtained only through testing on animals. 4. The ICMR wants to partner with a company that can further develop its candidate vaccine, carry out human clinical trials, and scale up for commercial production. Although the ICMR will share the technology of developing AdFalciVax with the chosen company, it will continue to hold the intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property rights generated during the collaboration will be held jointly by the ICMR and the company. 5. Notably, AdFalciVax mainly targets two parts of Plasmodium falciparum, a pathogen that is the most common source of malaria in humans. In India, however, the disease is caused by Plasmodium vivax against which AdFalciVax is ineffective. To combat malaria, scientists have been working to develop a vaccine for decades but with limited success. Recently, two vaccines—RTS,S and R21—were approved for use, but their efficacy, at 75%, is quite low. That's why the announcement about ICMR's candidate vaccine has given new hope in the fight against the disease. World Malaria Day is observed every year on 25th April by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness and drive action against malaria. The theme for World Malaria Day 2025 is 'Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.' 1. Having claimed millions of lives, malaria has been one of the deadliest diseases in human history. Currently, the disease kills about four lakh people annually, according to World Health Organization (WHO) figures. 2. Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes, typically causing symptoms such as fever, chills, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In some cases, it can lead to severe complications such as seizures, fluid in the lungs, organ damage, and death. 3. It is most endemic in Africa — Nigeria, Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, Niger, and Burkina Faso together account for more than half the yearly deaths. 1. India has demonstrated significant progress in reducing malaria cases and associated mortality in the country's high-endemic states, according to the findings of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 'World Malaria Report 2024′. 2. 'India exited the HBHI [high-burden to high-impact] group officially in 2024 due to significant progress in reducing the malaria incidence and mortality observed in its high-endemic states,' the report observed. 3.'Nationwide, the number of estimated malaria cases in India decreased from 6.4 million in 2017 (the year before the HBHI's introduction) to 2 million cases in 2023 (69 per cent decrease). Similarly, the estimated malaria deaths decreased from 11,100 to 3,500 (68 per cent decrease) during the same period,' it said. 4. The HBHI refers to a targeted WHO initiative aimed at the most acutely malaria-impacted regions of the world, including several countries in Africa. Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine? (UPSC CSE 2010) (a) Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium (b) Man does not develop immunity to malaria during natural infection (c) Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria (d) Man is only an intermediate host and not the definitive host (Sources: India registers 'significant progress' in reducing malaria cases: WHO, WHO report says India reduces malaria caseload, deaths by 69% each) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
400 frontline forest staff identified for zoonotic disease screening
PUNE: In a bid to enhance early detection and raise awareness about zoonotic diseases, nearly 400 forest and zoo staff members in Maharashtra have been shortlisted for medical screening. Registration for the screening process will begin soon, followed by a series of medical tests. The initiative aims to safeguard both wildlife and human populations by identifying potential risks of disease transmission among individuals most frequently in contact with animals. In a bid to enhance early detection and raise awareness about zoonotic diseases, nearly 400 forest and zoo staff members in Maharashtra have been shortlisted. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION)) Launched in January of this year, the program titled 'Building a Surveillance Model for Detecting Zoonotic Spillover in Increased Bird-Human Interaction Settings' adopts the one Health approach, a concept recognising the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. This pioneering project is a joint effort by the Maharashtra Forest Department, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, and Symbiosis International University. The program focuses on developing a real-time surveillance model to monitor zoonotic spillovers among frontline forest staff, zoo workers, bird sanctuary staff, and residents living near wetlands. Zoonotic diseases—those transmitted from animals to humans—are emerging as a significant global health threat. Notable examples include the Nipah virus, Ebola, Zika, SARS-CoV-2, Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), and Monkeypox. Despite the growing threat of zoonotic infections in India, scientists have noted a lack of comprehensive data on such diseases within the country. Since its launch, several awareness and sensitisation programs have already been conducted in districts such as Satara, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, and Junnar. Dr Satish Pande, a conservationist and researcher leading the sensitisation program, shared that the response to the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. Following the sensitisation sessions, many frontline workers expressed eagerness to enrol. To date, 400 staff members have been identified for enrollment, with the registration process still ongoing. Once registration is complete, participants will undergo medical check-ups, including blood tests, to assess if they have been exposed to any viral infections via the presence of antibodies. Following the initial assessments, the health of each participant will be monitored over the next three years. In Maharashtra, four wild animals—including three tigers and one leopard—have died this year due to Avian influenza. Across India, at least three human deaths linked to zoonotic diseases have been reported. These cases highlight the increasing concern over zoonotic infections, particularly as viruses continue to breach species barriers. Frontline workers, who have frequent contact with both animals and local communities, are emerging as a potential link in the transmission chain. Dr Pande emphasised that this program will provide close health monitoring for these key personnel, making a significant contribution to both wildlife conservation and public health safety.
