Top Reasons behind the High Rate of Obesity in India

Obesity is one of the reasons for growing health problems in India. It can cause diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, and blood pressure problems. Medicines are least effective when you suffer from conditions caused by obesity, as the real problem is your weight. 

A study conducted by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of 2016, reports that about 20.7% of women and 18.6% of men in India in the age group of 15 to 49 are overweight. According to the study, obesity would pose the biggest health risk to Indians in the years to come.

The negative impact of obesity on the human body is well-known. Overweight people are subjected to several health conditions, such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. While genetics also plays a role in obesity the main reasons for obesity in India are given below.

Reasons for Obesity in India

As India is a country with many cultures and regions, the reason for obesity is also different in different regions. The most common reasons for obesity in India are:

  • Change in food habits
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Lack of sleep
  • Misconception in parenting
  • Stress

The Drastic Change in Food Habits

The main cause of obesity in India today is an unhealthy diet. People today, prefer fast food which is fatty and unhealthily processed. People have also changed their food habits. Some of the reasons for a change in the food habits of people in India are: 

  • Easy availability of fast food stalls
  • Easy to prepare and easy to eat
  • Numerous television advertisements promoting packaged food
  • Easy online ordering services
  • Ingredients in junk food stimulate the taste buds

You should know that eating junk food for a day does not affect your weight but through years of bad food choices. Children at a young age should be taught the results of eating healthy food as the right balance of nutrition goes a long way in maintaining a healthy BMI. 

Inactivity and Lack of exercise 

Lack of exercise and an inactive lifestyle is one of the major causes of obesity in adults. Working out an hour a day can help you maintain a healthy BMI. Cycling, taking a brisk walk, or working out at the gym can help you lose those extra calories. 

Lack of sleep

People today do not get enough sleep due to busy hours. People have long working hours and with the use of phones, people find it hard to get proper sleep. An average person required seven to eight hours of quality to regulate metabolism in their body. An imbalance in metabolism can cause the irregular synthesis of hormones which can lead to weight gain. A relaxing and quality sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being.

Lifestyle-related stress

The competitive lifestyle and long working hours have caused people to forget their health. Less time on outdoor activities and more time focused on work have created a stressful lifestyle. Stress is a major cause of obesity which is directly linked to health conditions like heart disease, depression, and erectile dysfunction. Though you can buy medicines for ED like Cenforce 200mg or Fildena 150mg, heart diseases can be life-threatening. 

When you suffer from stress, a hormone called cortisol is released which a person favors high-calorie food for comfort. 

Tips to Combat Obesity

  • You can fight against obesity in various ways:
  • Spreading awareness about the benefits of eating healthy food.    
  • Changing lifestyle habits 
  • Staying active through regular exercise.