Climate Change and Sugar Consumption: A New Public Health Challenge
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment (Climate Change), Social Development (Public Health, Nutrition, Malnutrition, Non-Communicable Diseases - NCDs), Indian Economy (Consumption patterns, Ultra-processed foods).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Poverty and developmental issues.
General Studies Paper 2 (Social Justice & Health): "Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health"; "Issues relating to poverty and hunger."
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment & Economy): "Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, climate change" (Impact of climate change on health); "Food processing and related industries in India" (Rise of ultra-processed foods).
Key Highlights from the News
A new study shows that the increasing rising temperatures due to climate change are causing people to increase their consumption of sugary drinks and ice creams.
This is because people are looking for cold and hydrating options. They are often full of sugar.
This trend is most prevalent among groups with lower income or education levels.
This is considered a new public health risk posed by climate change, as it can lead to diseases like diabetes and obesity.
In the context of India, although malnutrition due to calorie deficiency is a major problem, the number of people consuming ultra-processed foods is also rapidly increasing.
The study suggests that policy tools such as dietary education and fiscal measures (taxes) are needed to combat this threat.
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