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News18
2 days ago
- Health
- News18
Samosa With A Side of Guilt: Govt Canteens To Display Oil & Sugar Warnings In Fight Against Obesity
Health ministry has also recommended adding healthier food options – more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, and limiting availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks. Your favourite samosa at the government canteen may soon come with a side of guilt — not just from the oil it's dripping, but from a board telling you exactly how much of it is in there. Even that extra-sweet tea might carry a sugar warning. From cafeterias to conference rooms, government workplaces across India are set to undergo a healthy transformation. In a fresh push to curb rising obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the union health ministry has directed all ministries, departments, and public institutions to display ' Oil and Sugar Boards' — informative posters or digital boards — making people aware of how much oil and sugar they are consuming. The move means that canteens and common areas in government offices could soon feature messages about harmful food habits, and even menus may be nudged towards healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meals. According to the letter written by health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, dated 21 June, India is witnessing a sharp rise in obesity among both adults and children. The letter, which has been accessed by News18, highlighted National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data which shows 'over one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese and prevalence of childhood obesity is impacted by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity." Citing strong evidence that obesity increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers, the secretary wrote: 'It also affects mental health, mobility, and quality of life. This contributes to increased healthcare costs and productivity losses. Early prevention and health promotion are critical to reversing these trends." It described that 'these boards serve as visual behavioural nudges in schools, offices, public institutions etc. displaying key information about hidden fats and sugars in everyday foods." The campaign draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent public health push. 'Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has given a clarion call to combat obesity through lifestyle changes." At the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games in Dehradun on 28th January 2025, the PM had invoked the 'Fit India campaign and urged citizens to adopt active, healthy lifestyles as part of the broader vision of a Swasth Bharat." Also, in his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he called for a 10 per cent reduction of obesity in the country. What will change in government workplaces? The ministry's directive to other departments includes several specific instructions aimed at making health messages a visible, constant part of daily routines. 'Install oil and sugar board displays – digital/ static posters etc – in common areas such as cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms and other public spaces to raise awareness on harmful consumption." Also, it advises to 'Print health messages on all official stationery – letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders, etc – and publications to reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity." Health ministry has also recommended departments to 'promote healthy meals and physical activity in offices through nutritious, healthier food options – more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, and by limiting availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks – and the workplace initiatives such as encouraging use of stairs, organizing short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes." Health secretary mentioned that 'these visual cues and practical tips are part of a larger national sense of urgency to reduce the burden of NCDs…" '…Your Ministry's leadership in this regard can serve as an inspiration for the wider workforce and institutions across India," Srivastava wrote while concluding the letter adding, 'Together, let us lead the way in turning the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of a healthy India into a mass movement, starting right from our workplaces." First Published: July 01, 2025, 13:47 IST
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Growing divide between gender fluidity and women's reality
We live in peculiar times. There is a conscious attempt to dismantle gender binaries, celebrate fluidity, and challenge traditional norms. Yet, the lived experiences of gender are becoming more pronounced, particularly for women. The contributions they make and the sacrifices they endure are intensifying, revealing a stark contrast between theoretical frameworks and ground realities. Gender Equality.(Getty Images/iStockphoto) The global economic landscape is grim, inflation is soaring, and real wages have failed to keep pace with rising prices. A 2024 Oxfam report reveals that women earn only 51 cents for every dollar a man earns—nearly half the income for the same work. This reflects the systemic inequality that forces women into cycles of poverty and dependence. The World Bank's Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report 2024 paints an even bleaker picture. Nearly 864.1 million people were affected by severe food insecurity in 2023, and nearly 60% of them are women and girls. In India as in many other countries, the economic crisis has reduced access to nutritious foods like meat and vegetables. The result is a rise in anaemia among women, as their iron intake from essential foods declines. On the other hand, the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) highlights rising rates of overweight and obesity, particularly among women. In Tamil Nadu, for instance, 40.4% of women are overweight or obese, up from 30.9% a decade ago. Among men, the figures stand at 37% and 28.2%, respectively. This trend is partly attributed to the public distribution system (PDS), which provides five kg of rice per person but fails to address the need for balanced diets. While the PDS ensures that hunger is alleviated, exhausting workloads leave little room for self-care, exacerbating health challenges. Research from IIM Ahmedabad, two years ago, underscores the immense burden of unpaid domestic work shouldered by Indian women. On average, they spend 7.2 hours daily on household chores—amounting to nearly 50 hours a week. For women who also work outside the home, this dual burden stretches their days. A 2023-24 SBI survey estimates that if women's unpaid work were monetized, it would contribute a staggering ₹ 22 lakh crore annually—roughly 7% of India's GDP. This invisible labour of women, among the highest in the world, remains unrecognised and unrewarded. The climate crisis further exacerbates gender inequalities. During droughts, women and girls are often forced to walk longer distances, sometimes in the dark, to fetch water. This not only increases their risk of sexual violence but also limits their ability to maintain menstrual hygiene or attend school. In many societies, women are not taught to swim, leaving them disproportionately vulnerable to rising sea levels and floods. These examples highlight how systemic inequalities amplify the risks women face in times of crisis. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is a grim reminder of how war indiscriminately affects women and children. Around 60% of those who have lost their lives are women and children, underscoring the gendered dimensions of violence and displacement. In a world where gender experiences are becoming starker, how can we disengage from these realities and claim that gender is merely a performance? While academic discourses on dismantling binaries and deconstructing norms are valuable, they must be grounded in the concrete conditions of people's lives. For millions of women, gender is not an abstract concept, but a lived reality shaped by economic hardship, unpaid labour, health disparities, and climate vulnerability. To address these challenges, we need more than theoretical deconstruction. This article is authored by Sruti MD, assistant professor, department of English, Shiv Nadar University, Chennai.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
‘Stop Diarrhoea' campaign to reduce infant mortality in Raj
Jaipur: With diarrhoea being a major cause of infant mortality in the state, the state govt will carry out a 'Stop Diarrhoea' campaign from July 1 to Aug 15. The govt has issued detailed information and necessary guidelines regarding the campaign. According to health department officials, diarrhoea accounts for 4.1% of infant mortality (under 4 years of age) but is decreasing over time. The prevalence of diarrhoea in the state was 6.1% as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), down from 7.4% as per NFHS-4. The official said deaths due to diarrhoea and its prevalence among infants have reduced due to clean water supply, sanitation, vaccination against rotavirus, and reduction in open defecation. For the Stop Diarrhoea campaign, health department will distribute two packets of ORS and zinc tablets in homes that have infants. "Healthcare workers will inform parents of infants to start giving ORS and zinc tablets as diarrhoea begins. They will be told to consult a doctor immediately," said the official. Director (public health) Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma said distribution of ORS and zinc tablets through ASHA workers will be accompanied by educating the public on their proper use. tnn Jaipur: With diarrhoea being a major cause of infant mortality in the state, the state govt will carry out a 'Stop Diarrhoea' campaign from July 1 to Aug 15. The govt has issued detailed information and necessary guidelines regarding the campaign. According to health department officials, diarrhoea accounts for 4.1% of infant mortality (under 4 years of age) but is decreasing over time. The prevalence of diarrhoea in the state was 6.1% as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), down from 7.4% as per NFHS-4. The official said deaths due to diarrhoea and its prevalence among infants have reduced due to clean water supply, sanitation, vaccination against rotavirus, and reduction in open defecation. For the Stop Diarrhoea campaign, health department will distribute two packets of ORS and zinc tablets in homes that have infants. "Healthcare workers will inform parents of infants to start giving ORS and zinc tablets as diarrhoea begins. They will be told to consult a doctor immediately," said the official. Director (public health) Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma said distribution of ORS and zinc tablets through ASHA workers will be accompanied by educating the public on their proper use. tnn
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Business Standard
22-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
IVF players on expansion mode in smaller towns as fertility rates go down
Major in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) chains are expanding into untapped Tier 2 and 3 cities, driven by improved healthcare infrastructure, growing acceptance of fertility treatments, and rising disposable incomes in smaller urban centres. Birla Fertility and IVF, which currently operates around 30 centres in Tier 2 and 3 cities, plans to open at least 15 to 16 more centres in FY26, two-thirds of which will be in smaller towns. Nova IVF, which derives 40 per cent of its revenue from such cities, is exploring expansion in 15 locations including Haldwani, Jamnagar and Meerut. Indira IVF, the country's largest infertility chain, has also announced plans to enter over 25 Tier 3 cities by FY27. Explaining the rationale, Shobhit Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nova IVF Fertility, said, 'With one in six couples experiencing infertility in India, there is a need for fertility chains to expand to cater to couples battling infertility.' A recent United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report highlighted that India's total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9 births per woman — below the replacement level of 2.1. The report echoes findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, which pegged India's TFR at 2.0 births per woman for 2019–21. The NFHS-5 also found the fertility rate had declined more significantly in rural areas, where it stood at 2.1 — down from 3.7 in NFHS-1 (1992–93). In urban areas, it fell to 1.6 from 2.7 in the same period. While infertility is not the sole factor behind the falling TFR, experts suggest infertility cases are expected to rise beyond Tier 1 cities, fuelled by stress-related lifestyle diseases and climate change. Industry insiders say IVF players are already witnessing increased demand for infertility treatment from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Abhishek Aggrawal, CEO of Birla Fertility and IVF, told Business Standard that more than 50 per cent of the company's annual IVF cycles are conducted in cities such as Siliguri, Varanasi and Prayagraj. 'While there is a rising segment in metros, with IVF chains receiving queries from women for procedures like egg freezing to delay parenthood, Tier 2 cities are providing an opportunity to tap less penetrated, high-potential markets,' he said. Agarwal added that many couples from Tier 2 regions find it difficult to travel to larger cities for fertility treatment, as the cost of travel, accommodation and lost wages makes the process financially burdensome. 'With expansion, we are bringing standardised fertility treatment to their home towns, with the best clinical acumen and embryologists,' he said. This model, he added, is affordable and avoids additional hassle. India currently performs around 200,000 to 250,000 IVF cycles annually, and the market is projected to grow to 400,000 cycles by 2030, with smaller cities expected to account for a substantial share of this growth. Aggrawal noted that to meet this growing demand, IVF chains are also focusing on building awareness to ensure fertility care is both accessible and better understood by those in need.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Changing mindsets and narratives around obesity for a healthier future
A 42-year-old schoolteacher once told me she had tried everything: eating less, walking daily and yet, saw no change on the weighing scale. Like millions across India, she blamed herself, believing her weight to be a personal failure rather than a medical issue. She is not alone. In India, obesity is still seen as more a cosmetic concern than a medical one. People suffering from obesity are told to eat less, move more, and try harder. What they are rarely told is that obesity is a chronic disease that involves genetics, hormones, mental health, and the environment. And like any disease, it requires real treatment, not judgement. Obesity on the rise Globally, obesity is on the rise, and it is projected that without immediate action, around a third (746 million) of the world's children and adolescents will be overweight or obese by 2050. Despite the numbers, public perception hasn't caught up with medical science. We continue to treat obesity as a character flaw rather than a condition that deserves clinical attention. That mindset is dangerous: it is time to change how we talk about obesity and treat it like the chronic disease it is. Also Read: Why obesity in children is a growing concern in India India is also facing an obesity epidemic. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) classified 24% of women and 23% of men as overweight/obesity, a sharp rise from previous years. This trend shows no sign of slowing down. More than 440 million Indians are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050. Moreover, obesity is no longer confined to urban elites. It is growing rapidly in rural areas and lower-income populations, driven by urbanisation, increased access to processed foods, sedentary jobs, and lifestyle changes. This epidemic is not just about body size. It is about the surging rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, which now account for 63% of all deaths in India.i Why mindset matters Obesity management is not just about calorie measurements. It involves complex interactions between genetics, hormones, brain chemistry, environment, and behavior. People living with obesity often find that their bodies resist weight loss, not because of a lack of discipline, but because their biology fights it. The challenge can be almost insurmountable and is further impeded by complications brought on by the disease. Only 20% of individuals with obesity can maintain their weight loss, long-term. Despite this, the dominant narrative in India takes a simplistic and judgemental perception. It equates weight gain with laziness, and weight loss with virtue, and this stigma shows up in every societal conversation. Many still see obesity as a sign of prosperity, a harmless cosmetic issue, or, conversely, a moral failing. This mindset creates several problems including preventing people from seeking professional help and ignoring the complex interplay of biology when it comes to weight. Obesity and mental health are also deeply interconnected, often creating a vicious cycle that is overlooked. Individuals living with obesity frequently face stigma, discrimination, and negative body image perceptions, all of which can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. The emotional distress caused by societal judgment can, in turn, contribute to unhealthy eating patterns, reduced motivation for physical activity, and social withdrawal. Moreover, mental health conditions like depression may also influence biological factors such as hormone levels and metabolism, further complicating weight management. Addressing obesity, therefore, requires a compassionate, holistic approach that considers both physical and mental well-being, rather than focusing solely on weight loss. Changing the narrative Changing the narrative means recognising obesity as a chronic disease influenced by factors beyond individual willpower. It requires empathy, science-based understanding, and collective action. Databases must include a fuller picture of the individual's health-care status. Furthermore, there is substantial scope for stratification of clinical obesity into different subtypes, potentially based on their clinical presentation or pathophysiology By embracing a more empathetic, science-based approach, and implementing comprehensive public health strategies, India can hope to stem the tide of this growing epidemic and ensure a healthier future for its citizens. (Dr. Ramen Goel is director, bariatric & metabolic surgery, Wockhardt Group of Hospitals, Mumbai. ramengoel@
