Why Bollywood gives a F%&k to your health?
Caveat emptor
You may spend hours scrolling through their reels and love them more than your cousins but like the politicians, Bollywood doesn’t care much about you. Without any sense of responsibility they will advertise noodles, sugary juices, alcohol, …to you. Things they won’t allow their kids to hog upon — they will happily push down your throats.
Bollywood endorses junk food primarily due to financial incentives, mass appeal, and the lack of strong regulatory barriers. The deep connection between celebrity culture and consumerism in India means that these endorsements have a powerful impact, often overshadowing the potential health risks associated with junk food consumption.
In today’s Mint Article on Indian Diet (check the link above) there’s an interesting point made by Dr Arun Gupta, convenor at the Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest …
…affordability was not always the barrier to consuming a healthy meal. “If I am swamped by marketing, I will consume that product daily,” he said.
Discussing the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute for Nutrition (NIN) report, the articles points out that Indians over-consume refined cereals and under-consume micronutrient-rich foods like whole grains, pulses, and fresh produce. This leads to nutritional imbalances.
Besides Celeberity endorsement other factos discussed are:
Economic Factors: Household spending patterns reveal that wealthier households can afford more nutritious items, while poorer households consume fewer fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like milk, eggs, and meat.
Impact of Inflation: High food prices have exacerbated the challenge of affording a balanced diet. In many parts of India, the cost of a balanced diet has risen by more than 30% since 2019, making it almost unaffordable for low-income families.
Awareness Issues: Lack of awareness about healthy eating, coupled with aggressive marketing of unhealthy processed foods, has contributed to poor dietary choices. States like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, despite being economically well-off, lag in nutrition awareness.
Processed Foods and Health: There is an increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sugars, salts, and fats, which is leading to worsening micronutrient deficiencies and obesity. Rural and urban households spend significant portions of their budgets on beverages and processed food.
Policy Gaps: Initiatives like star rating systems to inform consumers about high sugar, sodium, and fat content in foods remain in limbo, further complicating efforts to promote healthy eating habits.
Even with a net worth of ₹7,300 crore, if Shah Rukh Khan finds it acceptable to promote a pan masala brand, there’s little to be said about other celebrities.
So, dear reader, prioritize your own and your loved ones’ health. educate yourself and your family well — the Bollywood industry isn’t concerned about your well-being — buyer beware!
