Economic Survey flags ultra-processed foods, rising obesity as threat to productivity

New Delhi: The Economic Survey has flagged the rapid rise in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and growing obesity level as a threat to productivity.

The Survey report, tabled in Parliament, linked the unhealthy food habits to non-communicable diseases. "Obesity is rising at an alarming rate and is today a major public health challenge in India," the Survey said. "Driven by unhealthy diets, lifestyle changes, including sedentary lifestyles, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and environmental factors, it is affecting people across all age groups and increasing the risk of NCDs (non-communicable diseases) such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, impacting both urban and rural populations."

The Survey said an option of a marketing ban on UPFs from 0600 hours to 2300 hours for all media, and enforcing restrictions on the marketing of infant and toddler milk and beverages could be explored.