World Obesity Day is observed on March 4 annually to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of obesity and its impact on the health of the population. The World Obesity Federation initiated this health event globally to address improvements in the understanding, prevention and effective treatment of obesity and further share the experiences of people living with obesity.
In the latest Mann Ki Baat episode, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed India's rising obesity crisis, citing WHO data that over 250 million people were overweight globally in 2022. He expressed concern over the role of excessive cooking oil in triggering obesity-related conditions and complications like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. To combat this, the PM launched a challenge urging people to cut their oil consumption by 10% and nominate ten others to do the same. He believes small dietary changes can significantly improve the nation's health.
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What Is Obesity?
Obesity is just not a cosmic issue, but a grave health problem that elevates the risk of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases. The theme for this year is “Changing Systems Healthier Lives’, which stresses the need for policymakers, healthcare services, food manufacturers and communities to directly influence the impact of obesity and related chronic conditions to work together to create healthier environments.
Significance of World Obesity Day
This event works to educate people about obesity’s causes, risks, and preventive measures. Governments and organizations use this day to advocate for policies promoting healthy lifestyles.
Many people struggling with obesity face discrimination, which affects their mental and physical health. This health day promotes a compassionate approach to tackling the issue. It encourages people to adopt better eating habits, exercise routines, and overall wellness practices.
Obesity Prevalence in India
Obesity is a growing health burden in India, affecting both urban and rural populations. According to recent statistics:
Over 40% of adults in India are either overweight or obese.
Childhood obesity is peaking due to increasing fast food consumption and sedentary lifestyles.
India is witnessing a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues directly linked to obesity.
Lifestyle changes, processed food consumption, and reduced physical activity are major contributors to the obesity epidemic.
On this world obesity day let’s explore how excess cooking oil contributes to obesity and healthy ways to reduce oil consumption in the meal regimen to prevent obesity and augment overall health.
How Does Excess Oil Intake Risk Obesity?
All types of oil are calorie-dense providing 120 calories per tablespoon. When used in large quantities in the cooking process, oil can easily contribute to weight gain and obesity in the long run. Moreover, consuming excess fats than what is needed, is swiftly stored in the system, leading to obesity.
Excess oil consumption leads to free radicals’ formation and oxidation of metabolites which lead to inflammation in the system, especially blood vessels which are contributors to lifestyle diseases. Chronic inflammation is directly associated with increased risk of obesity and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, heart disease and other metabolic syndrome.
Also Read: World Obesity Day 2023: Debunking 5 Myths About This Health Disorder and Weight Loss
Effective Tips To Reduce Oil Intake
Consider Baking/Steaming
Instead of deep frying opt for grilling, steaming or air frying. These cooking processes need very minimal oil or no oil.
Measure
One of the key aspects is that cooking oil must be consciously measured to prevent excess usage. Use teaspoons to measure out portions instead of directly pouring them from the container. This can help to have a check on how much oil is being used daily. In addition, consider using an oil spray to add a minimal coating without excess oil.
Snack Wisely
All processed and packaged foods are loaded with unhealthy fats and oils. Cooking from scratch can help minimize overall consumption. Choose healthy cooking methods that need less oil.
Opt For Whole Foods
Eat a whole lot of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes that contain lean fat and offer more nutrition. These foods should be added to the meal regimen in optimal quantities.
The total oil used to include all kinds of dietary fat intake that one should take and should not be more than 600-700 ml per month maximum, which equalities to approximately 20 ml of cooking oil per day per person.
Choose Healthy Cooking Oil
You have a wide range of cooking oil choices, but it is essential to choose oils that are healthy, balanced and can remain stable even after cooking. The stability of oil largely depends on how good the oil is for cooking at higher temperatures and do not go rancid.
Go for cold pressed or wood-pressed unrefined oils, they are loaded with nutrients and offer flavour and taste. Mustard oil, coconut oil groundnut oil, safflower oil and sesame oil are good choices for Indian cooking.
Conclusion
This health campaign serves as a reminder that obesity is a severe health challenge and burden that needs prompt attention. By modifying the lifestyle and adopting a balanced diet, staying active, and making conscious lifestyle changes, individuals can prevent and manage obesity effectively.
(This is content is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
https://www.worldobesityday.org/
https://communities.springernature.com/posts/world-obesity-day-2025-changing-systems-healthier-lives
Does cooking with vegetable oils increase the risk of chronic diseases?: a systematic review
Carmen Sayon-Orea 1, Silvia Carlos 1, Miguel A Martínez-Gonzalez 1
Association between Different Types of Edible Oils and Anthropometric Indices Mood, and Appetite among Women
Nahid Kangani 1, Mohammadreza Mohammadi 1, Mobina Zeinolabedin 1, Nick Bellissimo 2, Leila Azadbakht
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9605855/
