Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in India are being linked to health issues like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. In 2022, about 70 million adults and 12.5 million young people in India were obese. From 2005 to 2020, obesity rates increased significantly, especially in urban areas.
Francis Gabriel Godad from GlobalData emphasized that UPFs, which are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, but low in nutrients, are contributing to this health crisis. He suggests that people should eat more fresh and minimally processed foods, and urges the government to introduce policies to promote healthier eating and regulate UPF availability.
Despite the rise in UPFs, India is also seeing growth in the plant-based food market, which is expected to expand significantly by 2027. Shravani Mali from GlobalData notes that without a clear system to identify UPFs, it’s hard to control their consumption. She recommends taxing UPFs and regulating them in schools.
Overall, the focus is on raising awareness, promoting better eating habits, and implementing policies to protect public health.