Thread by @EACtoPM

Excessive salt consumption can lead to hypertension, heart disease, & stroke, & an average Indian consumes more than double the physiological need, dramatically exceeding the WHO’s recommended daily intake of <5g of salt for adults. Dr @bibekdebroy & @adityasinha004 write. (1/11)

The staggering economic impact of cardiovascular disease on LMICs is estimated at $3.7 trillion between 2011 and 2025 due to premature mortality and disability, representing an alarming 2% of the GDP of LMICs. (2/11) thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/…

The World Economic Forum projects that the Indian economy alone faces losses surpassing $2 trillion between 2012 & 2030 as a consequence of CVDs, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions to mitigate the economic & health consequences of CVDs in LMICs. (3/11)

The WHO’s ‘Global Report on Sodium Intake Reduction’ reveals the progress of 194 member states towards reducing population sodium intake by 30% by 2025 has been lethargic, with only a few countries making considerable headway towards the objective. (4/11)

Empirical evidence highlights the strong correlation between reduced sodium intake and decreased blood pressure, indicating that salt reduction is a cost-effective and practical approach to preventing cardiovascular disease. (5/11)

Elevated BP is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the foremost cause of mortality worldwide, contributing to approximately 54% of strokes and 47% of coronary heart diseases globally. (6/11)

Cardiovascular disease has emerged as the primary cause of mortality and morbidity in India, with the age-adjusted cardiovascular disease mortality rate rising by 31% in the last 25 years. (7/11)

The Union government has initiated several voluntary programmes, including the ‘Eat Right India’ movement and a social media campaign called ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’, but the average Indian’s sodium intake remains alarmingly high. (8/11)

India needs a comprehensive national strategy to curb salt consumption, as current measures have fallen short, and collaboration between State and Union governments is essential to combat hypertension. (9/11)

To effectively reduce sodium consumption in India, the government must enforce gradual but mandatory reductions in processed foods and restaurant meals, as voluntary initiatives have been unsuccessful. (10/11)

Mandatory policies establish uniform guidelines & limits for food manufacturers, creating a food environment that limits or discourages unhealthy options. (11/11)