India is witnessing a worrying rise in Non-Communicable Diseases, which are linked to obesity in one way or another, and which account for nearly 63 per cent of overall mortality, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said on Saturday.
“Weight reducing or anti-obesity drugs, currently available, ought to be used very judiciously,” the Minister said while addressing the inaugural session of the 2-day “Asia Oceania Conference on Obesity” (AOCO).
Dr. Singh, who is himself a noted Diabetologist and Professor of Medicine, said obesity is a complex, chronic and relapsing disorder, and not merely a cosmetic or lifestyle concern, calling for a whole-of-society approach to effectively combat what has emerged as one of India’s most pressing public health challenges.
He pointed out that conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers are linked to obesity, including central or visceral obesity, which is particularly prevalent among Indians and poses independent health risks even beyond overall body weight.
Referring to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister said it is unprecedented in the Indian context for a Prime Minister to repeatedly speak about obesity and lifestyle-related diseases from national platforms.
He highlighted that the Prime Minister’s emphasis on small, sustainable changes in food habits and daily routines reflects a clear recognition of obesity as a national priority, closely aligned with initiatives such as FIT India, Khelo India and the broader vision of preventive healthcare.
Dr. Singh said since 2014, health has moved to the centre of national policymaking, with the government focusing on prevention, affordability, and early intervention.
He cited Ayushman Bharat, mass screening programmes and India’s growing global leadership in preventive healthcare, including the development of indigenous vaccines, as examples of this shift.
Dr. Singh also highlighted the government’s emphasis on integrating traditional systems of medicine through a dedicated Ministry of AYUSH.
The Minister cautioned against the growing commercialisation and misinformation surrounding obesity management, warning that unscientific claims and so-called quick-fix solutions often mislead people and distract them from evidence-based care.
He stressed that formal approvals alone do not always tell the full story in clinical practice, recalling how the widespread adoption of refined oils in earlier decades led to unintended long-term health consequences.
Emphasising the need to protect public interest, Dr. Singh called for sustained efforts to counter myths and disinformation, particularly through the responsible use of modern media and digital platforms.