New Delhi—Radhika Gupta, the CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Funds, is tackling a serious problem: obesity in India. In a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter), she shared a straightforward idea that could make a difference: encourage restaurants to offer “half-plate” meal options.
Gupta thinks this simple change could help diners manage their portions better, cut down on food waste, and possibly even increase restaurant profits. “I’m pleased to see that obesity is finally being treated as a significant concern,” she commented. Gupta pointed out that many people tend to finish larger meals even when smaller portions would suffice. The cultural norm of not wasting food often drives this behavior.
She proposed that restaurants could benefit by pricing half-portion meals slightly above half the price of full meals. This approach not only allows diners to eat less but also reduces food waste, making it a win-win.
Her comments came soon after a report from the Let’s Fix Our Food (LFOF) initiative, led by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. The report revealed staggering statistics: 24% of adolescents in India are underweight, while over 17 million children and teens are grappling with obesity.
Gupta’s idea was met with enthusiasm, especially in light of alarming global obesity trends. A study in The Lancet predicts that by 2050, more than half of all adults worldwide could be overweight or obese. As of 2021, the number of overweight or obese individuals in India reached 180 million, placing it second in the world after China, which has over 400 million.
Addressing obesity not only involves individual choices but also systemic changes in how food is presented and marketed. It’s a complex issue that blends public health with cultural attitudes towards food. Gupta’s insights remind us that small changes, like those in restaurant menus, can have a big impact on health and wellness.
For anyone interested in the nuances of this topic, further reading on obesity trends and public health strategies can be found in reputable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) and various nutrition journals.
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