Is India eating its way to obesity and diabetes? ICMR study warns

India’s dinner plates may be comforting, but they’re turning into a silent health hazard. A new nationwide study by the Indian Council of Medical Research–India Diabetes (ICMR–INDIAB) has revealed that the average Indian diet, overloaded with carbohydrates and deficient in protein, is driving the country’s alarming rise in obesity and diabetes cases.

The extensive research surveyed over 1.2 lakh adults across 36 states and union territories, mapping how regional food patterns contribute to metabolic risks. The results paint a worrying picture: 62% of daily calories consumed by Indians come from carbohydrates, among the highest in the world.

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Carb overload

Most of these carbohydrates come from low-quality sources such as white rice, refined wheat, and added sugars. The study found clear regional patterns- white rice is dominant in the South, East, and Northeast, while wheat is the primary staple in North and Central India. Nutrient-rich millets, once a traditional part of Indian diets, are now mainstays in only three states- Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

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Excessive sugar intake adds to the problem. Twenty-one states and union territories consume sugar above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5% of total calories. This, coupled with refined carbs, is directly linked to the rising incidence of diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity across age groups.

Protein Deficiency

The report also revealed a significant protein gap in Indian diets- only 12% of daily calories come from protein, compared to the recommended 15–20%. Most of this comes from plant-based sources like pulses, lentils, and cereals, while dairy contributes just 2% and animal protein only 1% of daily energy.

Interestingly, the Northeast region recorded the highest protein intake (13.6%), largely due to its inclusion of fish and meat in daily meals. Yet, protein deficiency remains widespread nationwide, contributing to muscle loss, poor metabolism, and insulin resistance.

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Fat quality matters too

While overall fat intake in India remains within global recommendations, the type of fat consumed raises concern. The study found that saturated fat intake exceeded healthy limits in nearly all states, except Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. These fats found in ghee, butter, and palm oil can increase cholesterol and heart disease risk.

Meanwhile, the consumption of healthier fats, such as monounsaturated and omega-3 fats from nuts, seeds, and fish, remains low across the country. Experts warn that this imbalance, coupled with high-carb diets, worsens metabolic health.

Small dietary tweaks for big health benefits

The ICMR team found that even a small dietary adjustment can make a significant impact. Replacing just 5% of daily calories from carbohydrates with plant or dairy proteins could lower the risk of diabetes and prediabetes. Substituting with fish or egg protein also showed positive results, but swapping carbs for red meat or fats did not yield the same benefits.

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Rethinking the Indian plate

Experts suggest that achieving a healthier diet doesn’t require drastic measures, just smarter choices:

• Cut down on refined carbs like white rice and maida.
• Diversify grains, include unpolished millets and brown rice.
• Add a daily mix of pulses, lentils, paneer, and curd.
• Replace ghee and butter with healthier oils such as mustard or groundnut oil.
• Limit added sugar to less than 5% of daily calorie intake.