India’s health landscape faces a dual challenge, shifting from simple food scarcity to complex nutritional inadequacy. Although undernutrition has decreased, poor dietary quality, rising obesity, and widespread Micronutrient deficiencies India are quietly undermining public health. Experts at the ETHealthworld’s Nutriwell Conclave discussed this critical transition, noting that the country now grapples with an “excess of the wrong kind” of food. William Joe from the Institute of Economic Growth noted that the post-Independence focus was solely on calorie sufficiency. Now, however, the reality is very different.
The Double Burden and Clinical Reality
Joe highlighted a sharp rise in overweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. Specifically, adult obesity prevalence has increased by 20 to 30 percent, with a steep surge among individuals in their 20s and 30s. Moreover, he noted the difficulty of getting granular data for young adults and adolescents. Data from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey shows deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamins increase with age. Nearly one-third of India’s children suffer from multiple deficiencies, increasing their risk of lower life expectancy. Therefore, this critical situation is often called the double burden of malnutrition. Physicians dealing with rising metabolic issues should consider a post graduate program in diabetes mellitus management.
Dr. Eram Rao echoed these concerns, stressing that multiple forms of malnutrition often coexist within the same household. Global trends show overweight and obese children now outnumber their undernourished counterparts. In fact, UNICEF projects that India could have 27 million overweight or obese children by 2030 without corrective action. Dr. Rao attributes the crisis largely to India’s carbohydrate-heavy diet. Nearly 62 percent of calories come from refined cereals and sugars, while protein intake remains low at only about 12 percent.
Likewise, clinical practitioners confirm that national surveys often underestimate the real burden of hidden hunger. Clinicians frequently encounter severe deficiencies of Vitamin B12, folate, magnesium, ferritin, and Vitamin D. Furthermore, in hospitalised cardiac or metabolic patients, clinicians frequently overlook micronutrients. This happens despite their vital role in metabolism and enzyme function. For specialized knowledge regarding pediatric nutritional needs and growth, the International Post Graduate Program In Pediatrics offers valuable insights.
Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies in India: Solutions
Experts advocate for major policy reform alongside nutritional education. The Public Distribution System (PDS) must be reimagined to ensure protein adequacy, not just calorie delivery. Furthermore, citing the ICMR India Diabetes Study, Dr. Rao mentioned that even a five percent increase in protein intake could delay the onset of diabetes. From an industry standpoint, Manasa P S of Britannia Industries challenged the misconception that healthy food must taste unpalatable. However, manufacturers operate at a complex intersection: consumer preference, market competitiveness, and public health responsibility. Manasa P S also stressed the need for greater public investment in healthy food systems. She also urged deeper engagement with the informal food sector.
Shilpa Wadhwa of Nestlé India agreed, noting that consumers want healthier options without sacrificing taste. Likewise, affordability remains a major factor shaping dietary behavior in India’s highly price-sensitive market. Another major barrier is the erosion of traditional cooking knowledge. Changing lifestyles and declining home cooking, especially in urban areas, mean long-term health often takes a back seat. Therefore, the experts found broad consensus on the solutions across the panel. They emphasized nutrition literacy, awareness, and a vital return to traditional Indian diets. These diets are rich in whole grains, pulses, millets, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Millets, once a national staple, must find their way back onto everyday plates. Finally, coordinated action is essential. Policymakers, clinicians, and the food industry must ensure that India’s health outcomes match the promise of its economic progress. A strong foundation in comprehensive training for new doctors is essential for effective policy translation at the clinical level.
source: https://www.ocacademy.in/blogs/micronutrient-deficiencies-india-hidden-hunger-crisis/