India’s connection with food and its effects on health runs deeper than merely enjoying a meal. A nationwide survey conducted by Fitelo, a psychology-driven wellness and fitness platform, involving over 5,000 participants, reveals that 58% of respondents are most concerned about their weight when their clothing size increases. Additionally, 46% reevaluate their eating habits in response to casual remarks about their body weight from family and friends. Notably, women exhibit higher levels of concern, with 61% expressing serious apprehension about their weight.
Exploring India’s Eating Habits – Insights from the ‘State of Your Plate’ Report on World Food Day
The “State of Your Plate” report by Fitelo, released in conjunction with World Food Day on October 16, delves into the profound relationship between eating habits and the behavioral, cultural, social, and emotional aspects of individuals across various generations in India. The survey encompassed all age groups ranging from 18 to 63 years and included participants from every Indian state and union territory. Millennials and Generation Z respondents made up 90% of the participants, with 77% of the respondents being women.
The findings in the report highlight that 57% of individuals commemorate achievements with high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat foods such as Samosas, Chole Bhature, Kebabs, and Gulaab Jamun. This observation is particularly relevant as India enters the festive season, which involves numerous family gatherings. Interestingly, 57% of respondents find it most challenging to adhere to diets and health objectives during family get-togethers.
Health Choices in India and the Role of Human Intelligence
The survey also reveals that 64% of people have never adopted a health plan, but 78% express their desire to do so. These food choices for celebrations come at a time when one in four Indians grapples with obesity, as reported by the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), and India is notoriously recognized as the ‘Diabetes Capital’ of the world.
Contrary to the common belief that celebrities and social media influencers significantly influence health decisions, the survey shows that 76% of people are primarily influenced by their family, friends, and colleagues when it comes to weight loss programs. Fitelo’s Co-founder and CEO, Sahil Bansal, emphasizes their mission to assist individuals in leading healthy lives by achieving a balance between nutrition quality, physical activity, sleep, and lifestyle adjustments. They tailor their approach to each individual, combining psychology, physiology, and technology to guide them on achieving sustainable weight loss. Fitelo’s Co-founder and CMO, Mehakdeep ‘Mac’ Singh, highlights the unique nature of the “State of Your Plate” study, which delves into health and fitness in India.
The report underscores the complexity of food and wellness choices, influenced by factors such as gender, generation, geography, and social connections. Importantly, it points out that human intelligence remains central to daily health decisions, even in a world increasingly driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Fitelo believes in combining AI and HI (Human Intelligence) to empower people to attain long-term wellness through straightforward, potent, and holistic alterations in their nutrition and eating habits.
