International No Diet Day puts spotlight on Hyderabad’s food safety and health challenges
Hyderabad: As the world marks International No Diet Day today, on May 6, 2025, calling for body positivity and the rejection of restrictive diet culture, Hyderabad finds itself facing a rising wave of food safety complaints and health issues linked to unhealthy eating habits.
Originally established to promote acceptance of all body types and challenge the obsession with dieting, No Diet Day is observed globally on May 6 in countries including India, the UK, the US, and others. But in Hyderabad, the day brings into focus a troubling contradiction, while many embrace the freedom to eat what they choose, the city is witnessing an increase in both food contamination reports and lifestyle-related illnesses.
From cockroaches found in meals to frogs in biryani and lizards in soft drinks, the city has seen a spike in food safety complaints. Telangana’s food safety authorities have been carrying out frequent inspections, issuing fines, and shutting down non-compliant eateries. Yet, despite these actions, the trend of eating out continues to grow, especially among the city’s youth and working professionals.
This growing preference for restaurant and street food, combined with sedentary urban lifestyles, is contributing to serious health risks. A recent study by the University of Hyderabad, in collaboration with AIG Hospitals, has found that 84% of IT professionals in India suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). The condition, largely driven by poor diet, long work hours, and lack of physical activity, can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer if not addressed.
Led by Prof. Kalyankar Mahadev and Prof. C.T. Anitha, the research also shows that 71% of IT employees are obese, while 34% suffer from metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that include obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Highlighting these concerns on World Obesity Day, AIG Hospitals also reported that 80% of IT professionals in Hyderabad’s HiTech City are overweight. Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Founder Chairman of AIG, warned that while the statistics are alarming, the lack of serious attention to the issue could lead to a healthcare burden in the near future.
Even more concerning, the trend is extending to children. The same study found that 40% of children in government schools in Hyderabad suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), pointing to the early onset of diet-related illnesses.
As Hyderabad celebrates International No Diet Day, health professionals urge a more nuanced understanding of the occasion. While the day advocates for breaking free from unhealthy dieting pressures, experts stress the importance of mindful eating and maintaining long-term health, especially in a city where both food culture and health risks are growing rapidly.
