Excess Carbs, Poor Protein Intake: Inside ICMR’s Study on Indian Diets - Video

A new nationwide study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), published in Nature Medicine, reveals that the average Indian diet is alarmingly high in carbohydrates, making up 62% of daily calories. This excessive carb intake, mainly from white rice, milled grains, and added sugars, is directly linked to increased risks of diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. Protein intake is low at only 12%, predominantly plant-based. Saturated fats exceed safe limits in many regions, while healthy fats remain insufficient.

The study highlights regional dietary patterns—rice dominates in the South, East, and Northeast, wheat in North and Central India, and millets in select states. Notably, simply switching grains does not reduce diabetes risk, emphasizing the need to reduce total carbohydrate consumption. Experts recommend replacing some carbs with protein-rich foods like eggs, paneer, pulses, and lean meats, alongside incorporating healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.

REFERENCE: Anjana, R.M., Sudha, V., Abirami, K. et al. Dietary profiles and associated metabolic risk factors in India from the ICMR–INDIAB survey-21. Nat Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03949-4