Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Malnutrition types, obesity, undernutrition
Mains: GS Paper 2 — Health, Social Issues, Human Development

Why in News?

Delhi is witnessing a rising trend where children are consuming excess calories but lacking essential nutrients, leading to a condition called the Double Burden of Malnutrition (DBM).

What is Double Burden of Malnutrition?

➤ A situation where:

• Undernutrition (lack of nutrients)
  AND
• Overnutrition (excess calorie intake)

exist simultaneously.

Key Causes

1. Dietary Shift

• Increase in:
  • Ultra-processed foods
  • Sugary drinks
  • Fast food

2. Lifestyle Changes

• Reduced physical activity
• Increased screen time
• Urban sedentary habits

3. Pollution Factor

• Delhi’s high pollution levels:
  → Linked to metabolic disorders

4. Socio-economic Changes

• Working parents → dependence on packaged food
• Easy availability of processed foods

Health Impacts

Short-Term:

• Weak immunity
• Stunted growth

Long-Term:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Hypertension

Key Observations from Article

• Children may appear healthy or overweight but lack nutrition
• Obesity rising even among school children
• Ultra-processed food consumption increasing rapidly in India

India-Wide Concern

• India facing:
  ➤ Triple burden of malnutrition:
  • Undernutrition
  • Micronutrient deficiency
  • Obesity
• Affects:
  → Human capital development

Why This Matters for UPSC

• Links:
  • Health
  • Economy
  • Education

➤ Impacts:

• Productivity
• Demographic dividend

Way Forward

• Promote:
  • Balanced diet
  • Awareness campaigns
  • School nutrition programs
• Policy measures:
  • Regulate junk food
  • Improve food labeling

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Double Burden of Malnutrition refers to:

A. Only obesity
B. Only undernutrition
C. Both undernutrition and overnutrition
D. Only micronutrient deficiency

✅ Answer: C

Q2. Which of the following contributes to obesity?

1. Processed food
2. Sedentary lifestyle
3. Balanced diet

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: A

Q3. Which disease is linked to obesity?

A. Tuberculosis
B. Diabetes
C. Malaria
D. Dengue

✅ Answer: B

Q4. Triple burden of malnutrition includes:

A. Obesity only
B. Undernutrition + obesity + micronutrient deficiency
C. Protein deficiency only
D. Vitamin deficiency only

✅ Answer: B

Q5. Which factor contributes to DBM?

A. Organic farming
B. Processed food consumption
C. Rainfall
D. Irrigation

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“India is facing a double burden of malnutrition that threatens its demographic dividend.”
Discuss causes and suggest policy measures. (250 words)

FAQs

1. What is double burden of malnutrition?

It is the coexistence of obesity and nutrient deficiency.

2. Why is it increasing in urban areas?

Due to junk food, sedentary lifestyle, and lifestyle changes.

3. Why is it dangerous?

It leads to long-term diseases like diabetes and heart issues.

4. What is the triple burden of malnutrition?

Undernutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiency.

5. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 2 — Health & Social Issues.