Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a stark warning about Bharat’s rapidly escalating obesity crisis, calling it a national health emergency that requires urgent intervention. Speaking in his monthly Mann Ki Baat address, PM Modi highlighted the shocking reality that one in every eight Indians is battling obesity, with cases having doubled in recent years. Even more distressing, he revealed that childhood obesity has increased fourfold, a trend that could have catastrophic long-term consequences for the nation’s health.
The Prime Minister, known for his proactive health campaigns, urged citizens to take concrete steps to tackle the crisis—starting with a nationwide challenge to reduce cooking oil consumption by 10 per cent every month.
A health crisis that demands immediate action
“To become a fit and healthy nation, we must tackle the problem of obesity. This is not just a personal issue but a collective responsibility,” PM Modi declared in Mann Ki Baat. He warned that excessive weight gain not only affects individual well-being but also leads to severe illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension—placing a massive burden on India’s healthcare system.
Citing a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, Modi noted that in 2022 alone, over 250 million people worldwide were classified as overweight. India, too, has witnessed a dramatic increase in obesity rates, largely driven by sedentary lifestyles, high consumption of processed foods, and unhealthy cooking habits.
“We must make small but impactful changes in our daily lives. One simple step is reducing oil consumption by 10 per cent each month. You can decide that you will use 10 per cent less oil while cooking. This will be an important step in our fight against obesity,” PM Modi urged.
As mentioned in yesterday’s #MannKiBaat, I would like to nominate the following people to help strengthen the fight against obesity and spread awareness on reducing edible oil consumption in food. I also request them to nominate 10 people each so that our movement gets bigger!… pic.twitter.com/bpzmgnXsp4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2025
To drive home the message, the Prime Minister issued a public challenge in a post on X, asking citizens to cut down oil usage and nominate 10 others to do the same. To spearhead the movement, he nominated 10 prominent Indians, including:
- Industrialist Anand Mahindra
- Actor R Madhavan
- Singer Shreya Ghoshal
- Shooter Manu Bhaker
- Olympian Mirabai Chanu
- Entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani
- Filmmaker Mohanlal
- Politician Omar Abdullah
- Author Sudha Murty
Each of them is expected to further nominate 10 people, creating a chain reaction that could potentially transform Bharat’s approach to nutrition and fitness.
The Silent Epidemic—Why India’s Obesity crisis is worse than you think
India’s growing obesity epidemic is often overlooked in discussions on public health, yet its impact is devastating. Once considered a Western problem, obesity is now rampant in Indian households, affecting children, young adults, and even rural communities at an unprecedented rate.
According to health experts, some of the major factors behind this surge include:
- Excessive oil and fat consumption in daily meals
- Increased fast-food dependency among urban youth
- Sedentary lifestyles due to technology and urbanisation
- Lack of awareness about nutrition and calorie intake
- Rising stress levels, leading to emotional eating
With childhood obesity quadrupling over the years, Bharat risks creating a generation vulnerable to diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic disorders at an early age. “This issue demands immediate action. It’s not just about physical appearance; it’s about our future generations suffering from diseases that can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes,” Modi stated.
Beyond Health—PM Modi applauds National Games and Women Empowerment
While discussing public health, the Prime Minister also took time to congratulate India’s athletes for their stellar performances at the National Games in Uttarakhand, where over 11,000 participants showcased their talent. He praised Uttarakhand’s emergence as a sporting powerhouse and lauded the Services team for clinching the highest number of gold medals.
In another major announcement, PM Modi reiterated his commitment to women’s empowerment, revealing that on March 8, International Women’s Day, he will hand over his social media accounts to inspiring women from different fields.
“The platform may be mine, but their voices and experiences will be shared with the country,” he said, calling it a tribute to women’s contributions in various sectors.
Bharat’s Rich Wildlife
Shifting focus to wildlife conservation, PM Modi spoke passionately about India’s unique biodiversity, emphasising the importance of coexistence between humans and nature. He highlighted how tribal communities and conservationists have played a vital role in protecting endangered species, including:
- The Asiatic Lion in Gir, Gujarat
- Tigers in Central and Southern India
- Rhinos in the Northeast
- The Lion-tailed Macaque and Hangul deer
He praised the Soliga tribes of Karnataka’s BRT Tiger Reserve, who have helped maintain a zero human-animal conflict zone, ensuring the steady rise of tiger populations.
Encouraging citizens to celebrate World Wildlife Day next month, PM Modi urged people to support conservationists and promote awareness about protecting India’s rich ecological heritage.
PM Modi’s Message to Students
Before concluding Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister addressed students appearing for Board Exams, reassuring them that stress-free preparation is key to success. Referring to his Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative, PM Modi noted that the program is becoming institutionalised, with experts and former toppers sharing insights on academic success, mental health, and stress management. He encouraged students to watch past episodes on the NaMo App and remain calm, focused, and confident.
“To all our Exam Warriors—be happy and stress-free! Success is about effort, not pressure.”
