New Delhi: The Economic Survey has flagged the rapid rise in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and growing obesity level as a threat to productivity.
The Survey report, tabled in Parliament, linked the unhealthy food habits to non-communicable diseases. "Obesity is rising at an alarming rate and is today a major public health challenge in India," the Survey said. "Driven by unhealthy diets, lifestyle changes, including sedentary lifestyles, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and environmental factors, it is affecting people across all age groups and increasing the risk of NCDs (non-communicable diseases) such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, impacting both urban and rural populations."
The Survey said an option of a marketing ban on UPFs from 0600 hours to 2300 hours for all media, and enforcing restrictions on the marketing of infant and toddler milk and beverages could be explored.
The Survey report, tabled in Parliament, linked the unhealthy food habits to non-communicable diseases. "Obesity is rising at an alarming rate and is today a major public health challenge in India," the Survey said. "Driven by unhealthy diets, lifestyle changes, including sedentary lifestyles, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and environmental factors, it is affecting people across all age groups and increasing the risk of NCDs (non-communicable diseases) such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, impacting both urban and rural populations."
The Survey said an option of a marketing ban on UPFs from 0600 hours to 2300 hours for all media, and enforcing restrictions on the marketing of infant and toddler milk and beverages could be explored.
