Ways of eating idlis

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 During my trip down South, I had the opportunity to watch common people enjoy traditional southern foods. Idlis are one such popular food items that can be consumed anytime of the day. They can be had during breakfast, lunch, or dinner or anytime in between.  Idlis are traditionally South Indian delicacies. They are rice and lentil cakes that are steamed. They are usually salty but in Mauritius, you will find sweet varities as well in small shops and restaurants there.  Idlis are healthy food items and are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. They have minerals and vitamins and have the goodness of fermented foods too. They are served with sambhar (curry made of dal) and chutney (coconut, tomato or the like). Some also savour them with yoghurt, ghee (clarified butter) or spice mix (podi).  Idli pizza A modern twist to idli dish has been as idli masala (idlis usually small-sized covered with spices), idli fry (idlis usually small-sized that are...
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Obesity rising in young women and children in India!

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 Obesity has reached an alarming proportion in India. Young women and children are specifically affected. There are a large number of overweight and obese women and children in urban areas of India. Moreover, rural areas also have significant number of these overweight individuals including men. 

Obesity in India 

Obesity is rising in India. The proportion of people affected by it is soaring. Urban areas have the maximum number of such individuals. But rural areas are not spared of it. 

Obesity has become an epidemic and a growing health concern. All ages are affected but young women and children seem to have more of this problem. 

My informal survey has revealed that around 80% of women, 60% of children, and 50-55% of men suffer from overweight or obesity in India. The affluent are affected more. But those from the poorer strata if society also show it in significant numbers. 

Girls and women in India are sacrificial goats 

Causes of obesity 

The causes of obesity are multiple. Some of these are genetic or familial. However, most of these are due to faulty diets and sedentary lifestyle. These are preventable. But not much efforts are being made by individuals or medical fraternity or society to curb it. 

Junk food eating, restaurant eating, increased social life and partying, passive lifestyle have contributed to this rise. 

Mobile phones and television lead to no exercise especially amongst children and young women. The online ordering of items have also led to loss of this form of exercise in which people used to go and purchase things in shops. 


Health issues of obesity 

Obesity comes with its own baggage of problems. Besides, the cosmetic effects and emotional issues of oversize, there are problems of getting the right size clothes and innerwear. An obese person is not fit for some jobs and it can affect them financially. 

There will be mobility issues and muscular and bone problems. Joint degeneration would be faster and severe in obese person. 

Obesity gives rise to metabolic issues too. Heart diseases and diabetes mellitus is common in obese patients. Glucose intolerance is common. 

They may have skin infections and hormonal imbalances. Obesity can affect liver and inner body organs. 

I am a senior citizen. Often, I see young women with big tummies. They are not pregnant but have a lot of abdominal fat. In public transport, sometimes I wonder whether I should offer seats to them as they look pregnant. But if they are not pregnant, it would be wrong for me as a senior citizen to get up and give seats to a young obese person. 

I can ask them whether they are pregnant before offering them my seat. But in that case, if they are not pregnant, they might feel upset and get angry that I thought that they were pregnant. Amusing situation!

Most of these cases are preventable. It is vital to tackle this growing problem by diet and lifestyle change. Adopt it today for a better tomorrow. 


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