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India Must Safeguard Youth from Obesity and Diabetes to Secure Its Future: Jitendra Singh
Speaking at the annual conference of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of India (DIPSI), Singh underscored the alarming rise of type-2 diabetes and obesity, calling them widespread public health challenges. "Every third Indian has a fatty liver, and these metabolic disorders are spreading like an epidemic," he warned.
- By Newsdesk
- New Delhi
- Mar 11, 2025
As India aspires to become a developed nation by 2047, it cannot afford to let its younger generation be weakened by the growing epidemic of diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders, Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized on Sunday.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of India (DIPSI), Singh underscored the alarming rise of type-2 diabetes and obesity, calling them widespread public health challenges. "Every third Indian has a fatty liver, and these metabolic disorders are spreading like an epidemic," he warned.
A National Responsibility to Preserve Youth Energy
Highlighting India's remarkable progress as the world's fifth-largest economy, Singh noted that over 70% of the country's population is under 40—a demographic that will shape India’s future leadership. However, he cautioned that if the energy of this generation is compromised due to lifestyle-related diseases, it would be a disservice not just to healthcare but to the nation's development itself.
"It becomes a national responsibility to preserve their energies and ensure that India's vast human resource pool remains productive for a higher purpose," Singh, a medical doctor himself, stated.
The Role of Early Prevention and Awareness
The minister also praised DIPSI and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Seshiah for their efforts in preventing diabetes during pregnancy, stressing that early intervention is key to curbing the disease’s long-term impact. Singh echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's concerns about childhood obesity, calling for a wider awareness campaign to educate families and communities.
"Preventing diabetes during pregnancy is a crucial step in controlling its burden in future generations," he said, urging early screening for diabetes, especially among expectant mothers.
Public-Private Collaboration in Healthcare
Beyond metabolic disorders, Singh highlighted the need for greater public-private collaboration in the healthcare sector, drawing parallels with India's achievements in space exploration, nuclear energy, and biotechnology. He emphasized that such partnerships could accelerate medical research and healthcare advancements, ultimately helping India tackle its growing health concerns more effectively.
With lifestyle diseases emerging as a major challenge, Singh’s message was clear: India must act now to protect the health of its youth and, in turn, safeguard its future as a global leader.