India’s Fight Against Teen Obesity: Will High-Fat & Sugar Food Items Be Taxed?

India’s Fight Against Teen Obesity: Will High-Fat & Sugar Food Items Be Taxed?

New Delhi: Among multiple health challenges faced by India is an alarmingly rising obesity rate among adolescents. Over 17 million children and teens are living with obesity at one end of the spectrum, while 24% of adolescents are underweight. According to a study, India is expected to account for 11% of the global burden of child obesity by 2030. It’s high time that the authorities take measures to contain this rising trend. A group led by the …

NEW DELHI: A national consortium led by India’s leading medical panel is demanding a health tax on foods high in fat, sugar and salt, as well as strict regulations about food marketing to children.With obesity rates rising among adolescents in India, the group led by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR – NIN) called for urgent action to improve the food environment for youth.The national consultation urge…