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Obesity is a medical condition characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, typically measured by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher according to WHO. In India, 4% of men and 6.4% of women are obese (NFHS-5, 2019-21). Weak regulatory frameworks on food marketing, labeling, and taxation have worsened the crisis, highlighting systemic policy failures over public behavior.

Regulatory Failures in Addressing India’s Obesity Crisis

• Weak Front-of-Pack Labelling: India’s Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) system misleads consumers by giving stars instead of clear warning labels on HFSS foods, allowing unhealthy products to appear healthy.
  For example: Corn flakes, despite high sugar and sodium, receive three stars instead of a clear “high in sugar” warning, misleading consumers.
• Lack of Advertising Restrictions: Existing advertising laws are vague, allowing junk food companies to target children and youth without disclosing sugar, salt, or fat content.
  For example: Cola brands do not reveal that a single bottle contains 9-10 teaspoons of sugar, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices.
• Industry Influence on Regulations: The food industry lobbies against stricter regulations, influencing FSSAI to adopt weaker norms, such as Indian Nutrition Rating ( INR ) instead of WHO-recommended warning labels.
• Absence of Defined UPF/HFSS Standards: There is no legal definition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) or high-fat, salt, sugar (HFSS) foods, making regulatory enforcement difficult
• Failure to Implement a Health Tax: While the Economic Survey proposed a ‘health tax’ on UPFs, it has not been implemented due to corporate opposition and lack of political will.
  

Public Behavior’s Role in India’s Obesity Crisis

• Preference for Convenience Foods: Rapid urbanization and busy lifestyles have increased demand for UPFs, which are marketed as quick, affordable, and tasty meal options.
  For example: Instant noodles, packaged snacks, and frozen foods have become staples for working professionals and students due to their ease of preparation.
• Lack of Awareness on Nutritional Labels: Even when information is provided, many consumers do not understand nutritional labels or recognize harmful ingredients in processed foods.
  For example: Terms like “maltodextrin,” “hydrogenated fats,” and “high-fructose corn syrup” are used instead of simple sugar or fat labels, confusing consumers.
• Cultural Shift Towards Fast Food: Western fast food culture has shifted eating habits, with junk food becoming a status symbol among younger generations.
  For example: Global chains like McDonald’s, Domino’s, and KFC actively market their products as trendy lifestyle choices, influencing youth consumption patterns.
• Low Physical Activity Levels: Increased screen time, sedentary work culture, and lack of accessible fitness infrastructure have reduced physical activity levels, worsening the obesity crisis.
  

Multidimensional Challenges in Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods

• Corporate Resistance to Stricter Norms: Large food corporations lobby against stricter labeling, advertising bans, and taxation, slowing regulatory changes.
• Limited Enforcement Capacity: Regulatory bodies lack manpower and resources to monitor millions of packaged food products, leading to weak enforcement.
• Loopholes in Advertising Restrictions: HFSS food brands use digital platforms and influencer marketing to bypass traditional advertising restrictions.
  For example: Social media influencers promote soft drinks and chips without clear health disclaimers, influencing millions of young followers.
• Unclear Legal Framework: Multiple laws govern food safety, consumer protection, and advertising, but lack harmonization, leading to regulatory overlaps and inefficiencies.
  For example: The Consumer Protection Act (2019) bans misleading ads, but FSSAI regulations do not mandate nutritional disclosures in ads, creating ambiguity.
• Affordability of Healthy Alternatives: Nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits, organic grains, and dairy are often more expensive than cheap, calorie-dense UPFs.
  For example: A burger meal costs ₹100, while a healthy salad can cost ₹250+, making UPFs the more affordable and accessible choice for low-income groups.

Comprehensive Policy Measures for Effective Public Health Outcomes

• Mandatory Warning Labels on UPFs: Replace Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) with front-of-pack warning labels to clearly indicate high sugar, salt, and fat content.
  For example: Chile’s “black hexagon” labels reduced UPF consumption by 24%, showing the effectiveness of clear, visual warnings.
• Stricter Advertisement Regulations: Ban junk food ads targeted at children, including celebrity endorsements, cartoon mascots, and influencer marketing.
  For example: The UK banned HFSS food ads during children’s TV hours, reducing junk food exposure to minors.
• Introduction of a ‘Health Tax’ on UPFs: Impose higher taxes on sugary drinks, fast food, and packaged snacks, making them financially less attractive
• Public Awareness Campaigns on UPF Risks: Launch nationwide educational initiatives in schools, workplaces, and digital platforms to promote nutrition literacy.
  For example: The “Eat Right India” campaign by FSSAI can be expanded to include detailed UPF awareness sessions in schools.
• Subsidies for Healthier Food Options: Reduce GST and offer subsidies on fresh fruits, whole grains, and minimally processed foods to encourage healthier diets.
  

Addressing India’s obesity crisis requires a balanced approach that combines regulatory reforms with public awareness. While weak policies on labeling, advertising, and taxation have worsened the crisis, initiatives like Eat Right India and trans-fat regulations show progress. Strengthening enforcement, implementing clear front-of-pack warnings, taxing ultra-processed foods, and promoting nutrition literacy are essential. A holistic strategy where regulation empowers consumers while ensuring industry accountability will pave the way for healthier public outcomes.

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