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Apr 3, 2024 
Leo Marani, India correspondent based in Mumbai, and Fyodor Zalewski, Turkey correspondent, dive into India's shifting nutrition landscape, grappling with rising obesity amid its previous undernourishment. They highlight cultural barriers to healthy eating and the growth of millet consumption. In Turkey, Marani and Zalewski dissect the surprising electoral wins of the opposition party against Erdogan, signaling potential political upheaval and the implications of economic discontent. Their insights weave together health crises and political dynamics across two distinct nations.
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India's Obesity Crisis
- India's obesity problem is worsening due to a combination of genetics, diet, and cultural factors.
- Indians are genetically predisposed to central obesity, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
The Carbohydrate Problem
- Carbohydrates like rice, wheat, and potatoes are staples in Indian cuisine, contributing to weight gain.
- The poor rely on cheap carbohydrates due to government subsidies, while wealthier Indians have more sedentary lifestyles.
Food Nationalism
- Many Indian states refuse to serve eggs in school lunches due to religious beliefs, despite parents' approval.
- Some Indians believe their cuisine is superior and reject dietary changes, hindering efforts to address obesity.