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In his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi addressed the obesity crisis in India. He urged Indians to cut cooking oil use by 10 per cent.
PM Narendra Modi at Red Fort
In his 79th Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set aside political rhetoric to highlight a growing public health challenge: India’s rising obesity rates. Addressing millions over a 103-minute speech, he warned that changing lifestyles, high-calorie diets, and sedentary habits are fuelling a wave of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
“In the coming years, obesity can become a major challenge for our country,” the Prime Minister cautioned. “If every family decides to reduce the use of cooking oil by 10%, it will benefit the health of the nation.”
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The Cooking Oil Connection
At the heart of PM Modi’s message was a tangible, measurable step – cutting household cooking oil consumption by 10%. Nutrition experts have long linked high oil intake, particularly refined oils rich in saturated and trans fats, to weight gain, cholesterol spikes, and cardiovascular risks.
The PM encouraged citizens to revive traditional cooking methods that use less oil, incorporate steaming, roasting, and boiling, and rely on fresh, plant-based ingredients over deep-fried foods.
Lifestyle Habits Under Review
Beyond dietary tweaks, Modi urged Indians to make daily physical activity a non-negotiable. Yoga, walking, cycling, and home workouts were among his recommendations. He also called for a return to time-tested Indian dietary principles such as balanced meals of grains, pulses, vegetables, and seasonal fruits, without excessive processed or packaged foods.
Why the Warning Is Urgent
Data underscores the urgency. The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21) shows that 24% of women and 23% of men in India are overweight or obese – up from 20.7% and 18.6% in the previous survey. Rural obesity rates are catching up with urban numbers, driven by calorie-rich diets and reduced physical activity.
The ICMR-INDIAB Study (2023) revealed 101 million Indians have diabetes and 136 million have prediabetes, much of it linked to excess body weight. Childhood obesity, too, is rising, with AIIMS studies noting a 5–14% prevalence among school-aged children.
The Stakes for the Future
Experts warn that unchecked obesity can lead to diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and joint problems, and could place a massive economic burden on India’s healthcare system.
Framing the fight against obesity as both personal and national, PM Modi urged: “Let us pledge to gift the next generation a healthier nation, where fitness is celebrated as much as festivals.”
Quick Changes for Every Household
- Measure oil instead of pouring freely.
- Use mustard, groundnut, or rice bran oil in moderation.
- Swap frying for steaming, boiling, or roasting.
- Limit deep-fried foods to occasional treats.
- Make 30 minutes of daily activity a family routine.
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Delhi, India, India
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