Indians lack protein, fruits and veggies in diet; AIIMS doctors urge diversification to fight obesity

In 2024, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released that latest edition of Dietary Guidelines of Indians.

February 4, 2025 19:41 IST

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India are consuming more foods that they shouldn't eat. (Image Credits: Pixabay)

Obesity is a chronic complex disease and a leading cause of various non-communicable disease including cancer. On Tuesday, a team of doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) addressed the media to highlight the implication of obesity.

While addressing the media, Dr. Parmeet Kaur, Chief Dietician, AIIMS and Monita Gahlot, Sr. Dietician, AIIMS highlighted that the intake of important food groups like pulses, fruits and vegetables is extremely low in India.

“India are consuming more foods that they shouldn’t eat and this has led to an increase in diseases associated with unhealthy diets. 56 percent diseases of India is associated with unhealthy diet and obesity is a growing burden not just in India but also globally too,” Dr. Kaur said.

She also revealed that the protein intake of Indians is very low. “It is important that we eat more protein and sprouts as it is a good source of Vitamin C, B complex, Zin, selenium. There is also a need to increase the intake of milk and milk products,” she said.

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According to Dr. Kaur, fat intake is very important but it should not be more than 30 percent of total calorie intake. “…even fruits and vegetable intake of our Indians is very low. So, we need to increase our intake of fruits and vegetable and it should be 400 grams per day,” she emphasised. There is plenty of evidence in literature which suggest that intake of more than 4 servings of fruits and vegetables helps with weight loss.

She also warned against the negative effects of oil consumptions and emphasised on maintaining moderation. “Beware of misleading marketing and it is important to learn how to read food labels, she said. She also highlighted that ill-effects of fad diets to lose weight. “One has to keep in mind that balanced diet and exercise is important,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gahlot revealed that people are not aware that they need to include all food groups to stay healthy. “Diet diversification is extremely important. Your diet should include fruits and vegetables, grains, protein, dairy and healthy fats,” she said. Dr. Gahlot also emphasised on the importance of aerobic exercises and strength training.

In 2024, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released that latest edition of Dietary Guidelines of Indians. The 17 dietary guidelines were released to meet the requirements of essential nutrients and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity and diabetes. “A significant proportion of premature deaths can be averted by following a healthy lifestyle,” it said, adding that the upsurge in the consumption of highly processed foods laden with sugars and fats, coupled with reduced physical activity and limited access to diverse foods, exacerbate micronutrient deficiencies and overweight issues.

Here are ICMR’s 17 dietary guidelines:

Eat a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet
Pregnant women and new mothers should have access to extra food and healthcare
Ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months; continue breastfeeding till two years and beyond
After six months of age, the infant should be fed homemade semi-solid complementary foods
Ensure adequate and appropriate diets for children and adolescents in health and sickness
Eat plenty of vegetables and legimes
Use oil/fats in moderation; choose a variety of oil seets, nuts etc. to meet daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids
Obtain good equality proteins and essential amino acids; avoid protein supplements to build muscle mass
Adopt a health lifestyle to prevent abdominal obesity, overweight and overall obesity
Be physically active, exercise regularly
Restrict salt intake
Consume safe and clean foods
Ensure appropriate pre-cooking and cooking methods are used
Drink plenty of water
Minimise the consumption of ultra-processed foods and high fat, sugar, salt
Prioritise nutrient-rich foods in the diets of elderly people
Read information on food labels

During the press conference, Dr. M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS Delhi emphasised that children should be taught about the impact of consuming junk food and the importance of balanced diet.