New Delhi: On Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2025-26. While the nation dissected its economic implications, one crucial health-related suggestion from the Economic Survey went largely unnoticed—the proposal to tax ultra-processed foods at a higher rate.
The survey’s proposal to impose a higher tax on foods like—packaged snacks, breakfast cereals, sugary drinks, processed meats, frozen and ready-to-eat meals—comes at a crucial time, as India grapples with rising rates of childhood obesity and related health risks. These heavily industrialized foods, laden with preservatives, sweeteners, emulsifiers, and artificial additives to enhance shelf life and flavour contribute to addiction-like consumption patterns.
Unlike traditional Indian home-cooked meals, these additives have been linked to obesity, diabetes, endocrine disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and even neurological conditions like dementia and anxiety—along with a growing risk of cancer.
This rising tide of childhood obesity in India is becoming an alarming public health concern, with experts warning of its long-term consequences, including an increased risk of early-onset cancers. As lifestyles shift towards sedentary routines and unhealthy dietary habits, children are becoming more vulnerable to metabolic disorders, hypertension, and even malignancies at a younger age.
Dr. Smita Malhotra, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, highlights the gravity of the situation. “According to the World Obesity Atlas (March 2024), currently, 33 million children in India are living with overweight and obesity. The overall prevalence is 9 per cent among children below 20 years, and it is projected to grow by 6.2 per cent annually. By 2035, India will have 83 million children with obesity, reaching a 24 per cent prevalence rate. This is a public health emergency.”
Alarming Trends in Childhood Obesity
The latest data indicates that childhood obesity is on an upward trajectory across different age groups:
Preschool Children (
School-going Children and Adolescents (5-19 years): A recent meta-analysis (2003-2023) of 186,901 children found an 8.4 per cent obesity prevalence and 12.4 per cent overweight prevalence.
Regional Variations: Eastern India has the highest prevalence (15.9 per cent overweight, 9.8 per cent obesity), while Northeast India has the lowest.
Dr. Malhotra emphasises, “The increasing burden of childhood obesity is leading to early onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including ischemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and obesity-driven malignancies. We are seeing conditions like hypertension and lipid abnormalities in children, which were previously considered adult diseases.”
The Link Between Obesity and Cancer
Obesity is now a well-established risk factor for various cancers, with growing evidence indicating that it plays a role in early-onset malignancies in younger populations. Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Chairman of Max Institute of Cancer Care, explains, “Scientific data firmly establish that obesity increases the risk of various cancers significantly. With more urbanization, inactive lifestyles, and poor eating habits, cancers related to obesity are likely to increase. This necessitates awareness generation and preventive steps to tackle obesity early, reducing long-term cancer risk.”
Dr. Amrita Ghosh, a diabetologist, Fortis C-DOC, concurs: “Excess fat promotes chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances, all of which drive tumour growth. With the rise in obesity among young Indians, we are seeing increasing cases of colorectal and breast cancers in individuals under 40.”
The Rising Incidence of Obesity-Linked Cancers
Emerging research highlights obesity’s strong association with early-onset cancers, particularly colorectal, pancreatic, and kidney cancers. Dr. Malhotra points out, “Overweight individuals have a 10 per cent increased risk, obese individuals have a 19 per cent increased risk, and severely obese individuals face a 45 per cent increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. These numbers indicate a serious health crisis.”
Several cancers are strongly linked to obesity in younger populations, including colorectal, endometrial, breast, kidney, and pancreatic cancers. Among these, colorectal cancer has witnessed a worrying rise in young adults, largely attributed to sedentary behaviour and dietary habits. Excess visceral fat alters insulin signalling, increases inflammation, and promotes tumorigenesis (the production or formation of a tumour or tumours).
Dr. Chaturvedi emphasises that childhood obesity further exacerbates this risk: “Obesity during childhood and adolescence tends to extend into adulthood, amplifying the risk of cancer later in life. Preventing obesity early through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce these risks.”
The Role of Diet in India’s Obesity Epidemic
The transition from traditional Indian diets rich in fiber and whole foods to high-calorie, nutrient-poor processed foods has significantly contributed to rising obesity rates. Between 2011 and 2021, ultra-processed food consumption in India grew by 13.7 per cent, with rural India now spending 9.6 per cent of its food expenditure on these foods, and urban India spending 10.6per cent.
“Processed foods contain trans fats and preservatives that disrupt metabolism and promote fat accumulation,” says Dr. Ghosh. “Sugary beverages, in particular, contribute to insulin resistance and chronic weight gain, major drivers of metabolic disorders.”
Dr. Chaturvedi adds, “Greater consumption of processed and red meat, often rich in saturated fats, has also contributed to obesity-related problems. Public awareness campaigns and policy interventions to tackle these dietary changes are crucial.”
Compounding Risk Factors: Alcohol, Smoking, and Sedentary Lifestyles
Obese individuals who also consume alcohol, smoke, or use drugs face an even greater cancer risk. “Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancers such as liver, breast, oesophagal, and colorectal by promoting DNA damage and oxidative stress,” explains Dr. Ghosh. “Smoking further contributes by generating carcinogenic compounds that trigger mutations and inflammatory pathways.”
A sedentary lifestyle further compounds these risks. “Physical inactivity leads to increased visceral fat, insulin resistance, and chronic low-grade inflammation, all of which elevate cancer risk,” warns Dr. Chaturvedi. “Prolonged sitting increases the risk of colorectal, endometrial, and breast cancers. Promoting active lifestyles through workplace interventions and community programs can help mitigate these risks.”
The Role of Sleep in Obesity and Cancer
Poor sleep quality is another underappreciated contributor to obesity and cancer. “Sleep deprivation disrupts leptin and ghrelin levels, leading to increased appetite and unhealthy food choices,” explains Dr. Ghosh. “Chronic sleep disturbances raise cortisol levels, promoting fat storage and metabolic disorders.”
Dr. Chaturvedi adds, “Studies link insufficient sleep with increased risks of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer due to inflammation and impaired immune function. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and stress management is crucial.”
The Devastating Impact of Cancer on Young Lives
A cancer diagnosis can destabilize young individuals’ lives in profound ways. “Young patients face fertility challenges due to the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Career progression is often halted, leading to financial stress,” says Dr. Ghosh. “Social relationships and mental health suffer due to stigma, isolation, and the emotional burden of the disease.”
Dr. Chaturvedi highlights the economic burden: “The cost of treating cancer is immense, involving surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and chronic medications. Young cancer patients often face job interruptions, lost academic time, and social ostracism.”
Addressing the Crisis: Public Awareness and Policy Interventions
Public health policies must integrate obesity prevention and cancer awareness to combat this rising crisis. “Educational campaigns highlighting the risks of obesity-related cancers can encourage healthier lifestyle choices,” says Dr. Chaturvedi. “Implementing food labelling regulations, sugar taxes, and restrictions on junk food advertising can help curb obesity rates.”
Dr. Ghosh suggests leveraging urban planning to encourage physical activity: “Government programs like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) must expand outreach and screening services. Developing pedestrian-friendly spaces and cycling lanes can promote active lifestyles.”
High Time for a ‘Sin Tax’ on Ultra-Processed Foods
Given the health hazards posed by ultra-processed foods, the Economic Survey’s suggestion to tax these items at a higher rate should not be ignored. The government should create higher tax slabs for corporations selling these products, as they contribute to long-term health damage.
“India is already battling diabetes and other lifestyle diseases. Childhood diabetes is on the rise in urban areas, and ultra-processed foods are penetrating more households. We need stronger regulatory measures to curb this trend,” warns Dr. Chaturvedi.
The link between obesity and cancer in young Indians is a public health emergency that demands urgent attention. Rising obesity rates, fueled by processed food consumption and sedentary lifestyles, are accelerating cancer risks in the youth. Stronger government policies, educational campaigns, and lifestyle interventions are needed to stem this crisis before it spirals out of control.
Implementing a ‘sin tax’ on ultra-processed foods could be a crucial step in safeguarding India’s future generations from the dual threat of obesity and cancer.
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