Hyderabad: What is ‘dual axis’ method? How will it help combat obesity and NCDs?
India faces a complex public health landscape, managing persistent undernutrition alongside a rapid surge in obesity and diet-related NCDs
By Newsmeter NetworkPublished on : 28 July 2026 8:47 AM IST
Hyderabad: Scientists at the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) in Hyderabad have proposed a ‘dual axis’ method for evaluating pre-packed foods in a bid to control adult obesity and non-communicable diseases
Published as a commentary in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, the proposal advocates evaluating pre-packaged foods simultaneously by their extent of industrial processing and their nutrient levels—specifically fat, sugar, and sodium
Closing gaps in existing food regulations
Current international standards generally evaluate foods using single parameters, relying solely on industrial processing definitions or basic nutrient thresholds. ICMR-NIN researchers caution that applying these isolated models in India creates significant regulatory loopholes. A product might avoid classification as a high-fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS) food while remaining heavily processed, or vice versa
Despite a substantial increase in household expenditure on processed foods over the past decade and growing adult obesity, India currently lacks a formal regulatory definition for ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This gap has limited the rollout of key public health measures, including:
Clear front-of-pack nutrition labeling (FOPNL)
Marketing restrictions on unhealthy foods
Targeted school nutrition policies
Tailored to India’s Food Culture
The proposed framework builds directly upon the Dietary Guidelines for Indians (2024), which introduced combined evaluations of food processing and nutrient profiles. “India’s food system is unique, and so should be its regulatory framework. Foods cannot be judged solely by how much they are processed or only by their nutrient content,” said Dr. SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu, Scientist G at ICMR-NIN and lead author. “A dual-axis approach will provide a scientifically robust and culturally relevant basis for food labelling, consumer awareness, and future policy decisions.”
Addressing a “Dual Burden”
India faces a complex public health landscape, managing persistent undernutrition alongside a rapid surge in obesity and diet-related NCDs. “As India faces the dual burden of undernutrition and rising obesity, evidence-based food policies are critical,” stated Dr. Bharati Kulkarni, Director of ICMR-NIN. “This commentary provides a practical pathway to strengthen nutrition policy, protect consumers, and support healthier food environments while respecting India’s diverse food traditions.”
Adopting the dual-axis model could provide policymakers with the scientific foundation needed to standardize food labeling, limit misleading marketing, and build healthier food environments nationwide
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