India Launches Multi-Panel Effort to Draft First Obesity Guidelines

India has begun developing its first national obesity guidelines in response to rising concerns flagged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently described obesity as a “silent crisis”. The initiative aims to deliver evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies tailored to Indian demographics and health patterns.

PM’s Warning and ICMR’s Initial Action

Following the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address highlighting nationwide obesity risks, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) initiated a structured guideline-development exercise. An internal scoping panel led by Dr Rajiv Bahl was established to define the scope, priorities and exclusions of the upcoming framework. The team has reviewed global standards, including those from the UK and the US, while identifying India-specific physical and metabolic variations.

Challenges Unique to the Indian Population

Experts emphasise that obesity in India manifests differently across genders and regions. Central obesity is common among men, while many women show abdominal fat patterns not typically seen in Western populations. Rural–urban differences also persist, with states such as Jharkhand reporting low obesity levels compared to Maharashtra and Kerala. Officials note that India’s diverse population requires customised recommendations rather than a direct adoption of international models.

Steering Committee and Life-Course Approach

A steering committee chaired by Dr Bahl and co-chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services has been formed to guide the next phase. It has recommended a life-course model, creating distinct prevention and treatment pathways for children, adolescents, postpartum women, mid-life adults and the elderly. The committee has also advised exploring indigenous interventions such as yoga and Ayush-based dietary guidance.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India is drafting national obesity guidelines for the first time.
• ICMR’s multi-panel structure includes scoping, steering and expert groups.
• Guidelines will follow a life-course model covering childhood to old age.
• WHO estimates 18–24 months as the typical guideline development timeframe.

Expert Panel Tasks and Future Roadmap

A 50-member expert panel comprising clinicians, surgeons and public health specialists is now preparing key research questions and reviewing current and emerging therapies, including GLP-1 drugs. After drafting and peer review, the guidelines will be opened for public consultation. A final policy group will later simplify the recommendations for nationwide dissemination, ensuring accessibility for all age groups.