Excess Carbs And Saturated Fats Driving Health Crisis In India, Says ICMR Research

Rapidly changing eating habits, characterised by high consumption of carbohydrates and saturated fats with insufficient protein, are contributing to rising rates of diabetes and obesity in India, according to the latest ICMR-INDIAB findings.

The study, published in Nature Medicine, highlights that Indians derive around 62 per cent of their daily calories from carbohydrates, among the highest levels worldwide.

Researchers noted that much of this carbohydrate intake comes from low-quality sources such as white rice, milled grains, and added sugar, which increase the risk of metabolic disorders, including diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity.

Regional dietary patterns vary: white rice dominates in the South, East, and Northeast, while wheat is more common in the North and Central regions.

Saturated Fat and Protein Deficiencies

Although average total fat consumption generally remains within recommended limits under 30 per cent of energy, saturated fat intake surpasses the suggested threshold of 7 per cent of energy in all states except Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur.

Meanwhile, consumption of monounsaturated and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats remains low across the country.

Protein intake is also suboptimal, averaging only 12 per cent of daily calories. The Northeast registers the highest intake at 14 per cent. Most protein comes from plant-based sources such as cereals, pulses, and legumes, while dairy and animal protein remain low nationally.

Lead author Dr RM Anjana of MDRF emphasised that replacing white rice with whole wheat or millets alone will not sufficiently reduce health risks.

“Dietary shifts must reduce total carbohydrate intake and increase calories from plant or dairy proteins,” she said.

Senior author Dr V Mohan urged policy reforms, recommending public health campaigns and food subsidy changes to encourage diets richer in plant-based and dairy proteins, and lower in carbohydrates and saturated fats.

He stressed that such interventions could help reverse current nutrition trends, bridge widespread protein gaps, and improve overall diet quality.

The study surveyed 1,21,077 adults across urban and rural areas in 36 states and union territories. Researchers also found that 21 regions exceeded national guidelines for added sugar intake, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive dietary reforms.

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