India’s biggest health challenge is no longer hunger—it’s imbalance. Once a nation fighting malnutrition, India is now facing an opposite crisis: a surge in obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle-related diseases. Experts say the problem lies not in food shortage, but in poor dietary awareness and skewed eating habits that rely heavily on carbohydrates.

Speaking on the sidelines of the South Asian Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SAPEN) conference at AIIMS organised under the leadership of Prof NR Dash, President of Delhi Chapter, leading nutrition specialists from across India and South Asia warned that the traditional Indian diet has become disproportionately high in carbohydrates and low in proteins and essential fats.

“Most Indians derive nearly 62% of their daily calories from carbohydrates like rice, roti, dosa, and idli, while their protein and fiber intake remains dangerously low,” said Dr. P.C. Vijayakumar, President of SAPEN. “This imbalance is silently fueling obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. The key to good health is balance — not elimination, but moderation and awareness.”

Protein Is Not a Luxury

Dr. Biju Pottakot, Vice President of IAPEN, stressed that protein must become a staple, not a luxury.

“In many Indian homes, protein is seen as expensive or optional, while carbohydrates are considered affordable and filling. That perception is dangerous,” he said. “A balanced diet must have the right proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. If we continue to depend mainly on carbs, we will see a continued rise in diseases like diabetes and fatty liver. We can build more hospitals, but if we don’t fix our diets, the disease burden will only increase.”

He pointed out that several nations, including Japan and those in South America, have made protein a priority in their diets — a lesson India should take seriously.

‘Cut the Carbs, Add the Good Fats’

According to Dr. Shivshankar Timmanpyati, President of IAPEN India, carbohydrates should ideally make up only 50–52% of the daily calorie intake — far lower than the current national average. “For diabetics, this number should be even less,” he said.

“Replacing some of those calories with proteins and healthy fats from fish oil, nuts, and flax seeds can make a huge difference. A daily intake of 30–40 grams of dietary fiber can further help reduce obesity, improve gut health, and lower chronic disease risk.”

Healthy Eating Starts at Home

Dr. Shilpa Varma, Director of IAPEN, highlighted that nutritional awareness should begin early — at home and during childhood. “We often reward our children’s good performance with sweets, chips, or pizza. We must change this mindset and make healthy food aspirational again,” she said.

Dr. Varma also emphasized that nutrition plays a vital role even before birth. “A mother’s diet during pregnancy determines her child’s long-term health. We need to promote good nutrition as preventive care — not just as a treatment after illness,” she added.

India’s Strength Lies in Awareness

While India has made major progress in fighting malnutrition, experts say the focus must now shift toward preventing overnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases. The challenge, they say, is not about food availability but about understanding what a balanced meal truly means.

“Healthy eating isn’t about eating less — it’s about eating right,” said Dr. Vijayakumar. “Food is our first medicine. The more we educate people about balanced nutrition, the healthier our nation will become.”

As India transitions from undernutrition to overnutrition, doctors urge citizens to look beyond calories and focus on nourishment — a step that could prevent millions of lifestyle diseases in the years ahead.