New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed deep concern over the rising trend of obesity in the country, calling it a looming national health crisis.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, Modi urged Indians to take small but meaningful steps towards better health. Among his suggestions was a call to buy at least 10% less cooking oil and to use 10% less oil in daily meals.
His statement comes in the backdrop of recent data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which says the prevalence of obesity among adults in India has doubled over the past decade. In urban areas, more than 33% of women and 29% of men are now considered overweight or obese, a trend driven by sedentary lifestyles and high-calorie diets.
To counter this alarming rise, the Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt simple, conscious changes. “I had made one small suggestion —that every family should resolve that when cooking oil comes into the house, it should be 10% less than usual, and its use should also be 10% less. By doing so, we shall make our contribution towards winning the fight against obesity.”
In line with this call for healthier living, Modi also announced a comprehensive National Sports Policy, aiming to promote fitness and sports from the grassroots to the global stage.
“To promote sports, we have brought forth the National Sports Policy— after several decades, we have introduced the ‘Khelo India policy’ in the country, so that there may be a comprehensive effort for the development of the sports sector,” the Prime Minister said.
Under the new framework, the government seeks to build a complete ecosystem — from school-level engagement to Olympic-level excellence. This includes investments in coaching infrastructure, fitness programmes, playgrounds, sports equipment, and support to MSMEs manufacturing sports goods, he added.
“We wish to take this entire ecosystem to children even in the remotest areas,” Modi added, underscoring the vision of inclusivity.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a time when India is also preparing for major international sporting events. Officials say that over Rs 3,000 crore has been allocated under the Khelo India Scheme since its launch, with thousands of youth receiving training and exposure.
By linking health and fitness to national development, Modi appealed to families, schools, and civil society to collectively work towards a fitter and healthier India.
