Obesity is also malnutrition.

"According to online forum Global Obesity Observatory, the economic impact of obesity in India in 2019 was estimated to be $28.95 billion (Rs 2.4 trillion), equivalent to around Rs 1,800 per capita and 1.02% of GDP." By 2030, that is projected to grow to $81.53 billion (Rs 6.7 trillion at today's exchange rate), Rs 4,700 per capita and 1.57% of GDP. In another 30 years, it could rise to $838.6 billion (Rs 69.6 trillion), Rs 44,200 per capita and 2.5% of GDP. TOI. India's per capita GDP was Rs 98,374 at constant prices in 2022- 2023 (pib.gov. in), having grown from Rs 86,668 in 2017-2018 (mospi.gov.in). Unless per capita GDP rises to millions, Indians will not be able to afford food and will lose weight automatically. The Economic Survey 2023-24 quoted figures from the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5) which reported that obesity in men aged 18-69 has increased to 22.9% from 18.9% in NFHS-4, and for women it has increased to 24.0% from 20.6% in the same period. ET. According to the NFHS 2019-21, 87% of men and 75% of women in India in 15-49 age group reported eating meat, fish or eggs. It was at least 40% across all major religious groups. HT. As people become more affluent they tend to eat more meat. "Richer people tend to have more diverse diets. They get a lower share of their calories from staples such as cereals, roots, and tubers and increase their consumption of fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat." Our World in Data. While over 20% of Indians have become obese, the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-23 reported that only "56% of the population had three meals a day while 43% had just two". HT. "Around 17% of children in the age group of 0-5 years are underweight, while 36% are stunted and 6% are wasted, the Women and Child Development Ministry said on 26 July 2024." The Hindu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that 813.5 million people will be provided with free food grains for five years starting on 1 January 2024 at a cost of Rs 11.80 trillion over the 5-year period. pib.gov.in. A diet mainly consisting of cereals, but lacking in fruits, meat, fish and eggs, may provide enough calories but not enough nutrients for proper growth of children. Gluten is the main protein contained in wheat (Science Direct) and may cause an autoimmune reaction resulting in celiac disease in susceptible people. This may cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss and anemia. Mayo Clinic. "Purses such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and peas all provide a plant-based source of protein. Pulses typically contain 21-25% protein (dry weight) - almost double that found in cereals." eufic. It is more lucrative for farmers to grow cereals because state governments subsidise water and electricity, the Food Corporation of India buys cereals at a Minimum Support Price, which sets a floor under prices, and output per hectare in much more for cereals than for pulses, wrote Madan Sabnavis. How to tackle obesity along with under undernutrition. After all, obesity is also a form of malnutrition. Can't stop people eating.