Archive · 1 Oct 2025
Study Links Refined Grains in Indian Diet to Obesity
A new study in India found that people eat a lot of carbs, especially from white rice and wheat.
This can lead to more people getting diabetes and becoming overweight.
The study suggests that people should eat fewer carbs and more protein, and choose healthy fats.
The study also recommends eating less sugar, and replacing refined grains with healthier options like whole grains, pulses, legumes, and dairy.
Indian diets are high in low-quality carbohydrates, increasing diabetes risk.
62% of calories come from carbs like white rice and wheat.
Protein intake is low, averaging around 12% of daily calories.
Saturated fat intake exceeds recommended levels in most states.
Replacing carbohydrates with protein may reduce the risk of diabetes.
- Who
- ICMR study
- What
- Study links high-carb diets to rising diabetes and obesity.
- When
- 2008 to 2020
- Where
- India
- Why
- High carbohydrate and saturated fat intake is driving the increase in diabetes and obesity.
Findings & Recommendations
Expert View
Carbohydrate Consumption
Findings & Recommendations
High intake of low-quality carbohydrates is linked to diabetes.
Expert View
Reduce total caloric intake by portion control, limit refined carbs, and replace with whole grains and increase fibre-rich foods, while choosing healthy fats.
Protein Consumption
Findings & Recommendations
Low protein intake in India.
Expert View
Increase intake of pulses, legumes and dairy proteins.
- Main Finding
- High carbohydrate intake, especially from refined grains, linked to higher diabetes and obesity risk.
- Primary Carb Sources
- White rice and milled wheat
- Carb Intake
- 62% of daily calories from low-quality carbohydrates.
- Protein Intake
- Around 12% of daily calories
- Saturated Fat
- Exceeds recommended limits in most states.
- Study Participants
- Over 18,000 adults
