Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Reducing the amount of oil intake, while increasing physical activity, as well as eating a balanced meal are crucial to fight the rising menace of obesity in our country, said experts on February 25. Dr Naval Vikram, Professor of Medicine, at AIIMS, Delhi, felt it was high time to consider obesity very seriously, as its prevalence is increasing rapidly across the age groups and across the socio-economic status in the country.
“Obesity is no longer a cosmetic problem. It now is a chronic persistent disease which leads to several other non-communicable diseases, like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, as well as several cancers. It is a lifestyle disease, and it is 100 per cent preventable.”
He also lauded PM Modi for highlighting the problem of obesity and the importance of preventing it. “While lifestyle is the most important factor in preventing and managing obesity, diet also plays a very critical role. Individuals must try to avoid foods which are rich in high fat, high sugar and high salt — generally very high in most processed foods,” said Vikram.
“Eat a well-balanced diet and preferably, a home-cooked meal,” the expert said. Meanwhile, PM Modi also urged people to cut down the consumption of oil by 10 per cent. “It is an important step in preventing as well as managing obesity,” Vikram said.
Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman and Director, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Fortis C-DOC Hospital, New Delhi, told IANS that “oils contain twice the calories of carbs and protein”. “With rising obesity rates, it is important to limit oil intake to 15-20 ml per day,” he added.
“Oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) help lower bad cholesterol and support heart health. Mustard oil remains the best choice considering cost and health benefits,” the doctor said, while recommending against saturated fats to reduce the risk of liver disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
The experts noted that reducing oil intake will create a calorie deficit — a key factor for losing or maintaining body weight. Other measures to fight obesity include preferring home-cooked meals, with regionally and seasonally available food items.
