Navigating Global Nutrition: A Combination of Scientific Knowledge and Cultural Understanding Is Necessary
India, a land rich in cultural heritage and scientific advancements, is grappling with a unique nutrition challenge - a dual burden of undernutrition and obesity. This paradox is the result of urbanization and dietary shifts towards processed, calorie-dense foods, as revealed by scientific research [1][3].
The public health sector in India is responding to this challenge by leveraging scientific data and cultural contexts. For instance, the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) supply staple food grains to millions, reflecting traditional preferences for rice and wheat while ensuring calorie needs are met among low-income groups [2].
Programs like PM POSHAN provide culturally acceptable mid-day meals in schools, aiming to improve child nutrition and school attendance by combining scientific understanding of nutrient requirements with local food traditions [2]. The POSHAN Abhiyaan targets micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition by integrating modern nutrition counseling with community engagement that respects cultural food habits [2].
However, India's deeply rooted dietary customs also present challenges. Traditional diets, while often rich in plant-based foods, can lack diversity in nutrients, particularly in poorer rural areas where economic constraints limit access to nutrient-dense foods like pulses, fruits, and dairy [1][2]. To address these gaps, scientific insights have informed fortification efforts and supplementation programs that consider local food preferences.
Cultural attitudes towards body image and food can also affect obesity trends. Urban middle-class populations are increasingly adopting Westernized dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles, contributing to rising overweight and obesity rates [3]. Public health messaging and interventions thus incorporate culturally sensitive approaches to promote balanced diets and physical activity.
One such initiative is the Eat Right Movement, launched in 2018 with the goal of transforming India's food ecosystem. Over 27,000 schools, colleges, hospitals, and workplaces have registered as "Eat Right Campuses" in India. The Movement emphasizes behavioral change initiatives that resonate with Indian consumers who rely on traditional food wisdom [4].
Despite these efforts, nearly one-third of Indian children is still stunted or underweight [5]. The future of food in India is a dialogue about values and identity, not just a laboratory challenge. It's crucial to remember that people eat food, not just nutrients, and solutions for global food issues should support regional farming traditions, respect community knowledge, and work with local food habits.
References:
[1] Pande, A., & Garg, A. (2020). The double burden of malnutrition in India: A review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 33(5), 609-621.
[2] Government of India. (2020). POSHAN Abhiyaan – National Nutrition Mission. Retrieved from https://poshanabhiyaan.gov.in/
[3] Ramesh, S., & Rao, P. N. (2016). Obesity in India: A Public Health Challenge. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 144(6), 769-777.
[4] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. (2018). Eat Right India Movement. Retrieved from https://eatrightindia.org/
[5] IIPS (India) & ORC Macro. (2021). India: National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-21. Retrieved from https://www.rchiips.org/NFHS/NFHS5/Pages/default.aspx
