Silvassa (Daman and Diu) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised concerns about the rising problem of obesity in India and called for immediate action to tackle the issue. Addressing a public gathering on Friday, the Prime Minister urged people to reduce their cooking oil consumption by 10% each month as a step towards curbing lifestyle diseases.
Alarming Rise in Obesity: PM Modi’s Concerns
Referring to a recent report, PM Modi highlighted that by 2050, over 440 million Indians could suffer from obesity, making it a significant health threat.
“This alarming figure indicates that one in every three people could face serious health issues due to obesity, potentially making it a life-threatening condition,” PM Modi stated.
He emphasized the need for proactive measures to combat obesity, urging citizens to commit to using 10% less oil in their daily cooking.
“India is committed to achieving the vision of a developed nation. Only a healthy nation can achieve such a goal,” he added.
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Apart from reducing oil intake, PM Modi also advocated for regular physical activity, suggesting simple practices like walking a few kilometers daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent obesity.
The Prime Minister’s message is part of a broader initiative to address lifestyle diseases, which have been rising rapidly across the country. He stressed the importance of making small but significant changes in daily diets to ensure a healthier future.
Mann Ki Baat: Addressing Childhood Obesity
Earlier, during the 119th episode of his Mann Ki Baat radio program on February 23, PM Modi addressed the growing problem of obesity, especially among children. He shared alarming statistics, revealing that obesity cases have doubled in recent years, with one in every eight Indians affected.
He also pointed out the rising number of childhood obesity cases, calling for awareness and education on healthy eating habits starting at a young age.
Social Media Challenge: Influencers Join the Cause
In an effort to spread awareness, PM Modi took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) to launch a social media challenge aimed at reducing oil consumption. He nominated several influential figures to take up the challenge and further nominate 10 more people each.
The list of personalities includes:
- Anand Mahindra (Business Magnate)
- Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua) (Actor-Politician)
- Manu Bhaker (Athlete)
- Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifter)
- Mohanlal (Actor)
- R. Madhavan (Actor)
- Shreya Ghoshal (Singer)
- Sudha Murty (Author-Politician)
This initiative aims to leverage the influence of these prominent personalities to reach a wider audience and promote healthier dietary practices.
A Nationwide Movement Towards Health
With these measures, PM Modi’s campaign seeks to transform India into a healthier nation, aligning with his vision of a developed India. By focusing on reducing oil consumption and promoting active lifestyles, the initiative aims to address obesity at its roots.
As the campaign gains momentum, the involvement of well-known personalities is expected to play a significant role in spreading awareness and encouraging citizens to adopt healthier habits.