Economic Survey 2024: Social media, screentime & unhealthy food habits of the youth are Indian economy's big problems

Social media, screentime and unhealthy food habits of the youth are Indian economy's big problems, according to the Economic Survey tabled by Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday.

For India’s working-age population to be gainfully employed, they need skills and good health, as per the survey and social media, screen time, sedentary habits, and unhealthy food are a lethal mix that can undermine public health and productivity and diminish India’s economic potential, the survey adds.

Private sector's contribution to the "toxic mix"

The private sector’s contribution to the above-mentioned "toxic mix of habits is substantial", and that is "myopic," the survey says.

Unhealthy food habits of Indians:
The emerging food consumption habits of Indians are not only unhealthy but also environmentally unsustainable, the survey says.

"India’s traditional lifestyle, food and recipes have shown how to live healthily and in harmony with nature and the environment for centuries. It makes commercial sense for Indian businesses to learn about and embrace them, for they have a global market waiting to be led rather than tapped."

India's increasing obesity rate:
Estimates show that the adult obesity rate in India has more than tripled, and the annual rise in children’s is the steepest in the world for India, behind Vietnam and Namibia, according to the World Obesity Federation.

Obesity is emerging as a serious concern among India’s adult population. According to National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5), the percentage of men facing obesity in the age bracket 18-69 has increased to 22.9 per cent in NFHS-5 from 18.9 per cent in NFHS-4. For women, it has increased from 20.6% (NFHS-4) to 24.0% (NFHS-5).

The Indian Council for Medical Research, in its latest Dietary Guidelines for Indians, estimated that 56.4 per cent of the total disease burden in India is due to unhealthy diets.

The report also observed that the upsurge in the consumption of highly processed foods laden with sugars and fat, coupled with reduced physical activity and limited access to diverse foods, exacerbate micronutrient deficiencies and overweight/obesity problems.

If India needs to reap the gains of its demographic dividend, it is critical that its population’s health parameters transition towards a balanced and diverse diet, as per the Economic Survey.