Global Hunger Index does not really measure hunger - An Indian perspective.

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is calculated and disseminated annually. India, which is the 5th largest economy in the world and has a good ranking in many other indicators, has a poor ranking based on this index. After a critical review of the appropriateness of the indicators used in GHI, the Indian Council of Medical Research has the viewpoint that the indicators of undernourishment, stunting, wasting and child mortality do not measure hunger per se. Referring to this index as a Hunger Index, and thereby ranking countries is not appropriate, since many of the measures that are used to evolve an index that measures hunger are probably contextual. Countries should therefore evolve their own measures that are suitable for their own context.

Supplementation of soy isoflavones improved sex hormones, blood pressure, and postmenopausal symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The present study is aimed at determining the effect of supplementing the diet of postmenopausal women with soy isoflavones on blood pressure and hormonal levels and providing relief from symptoms. METHOD: This research was conducted in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. In this double-blind experimental controlled study, 61 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (soy isoflvone, n = 30) or control group (placebo, n = 31). The subjects in the experimental group were given a supplementation of 33 g of soy in the form of biscuits that contained approximately 54 mg isoflavones for a period of 8 weeks. RESULTS: Soy isoflavones supplementation made a significant difference in the severity and intensity of symptoms as determined by the Kuppermann index. On supplementation with soy the intensity of symptoms among the subjects decreased significantly and the mean total score from 26.8% at pre phase decreased to 9.38% at post phase (p < 0.001). In the present study, the level of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the experimental group decreased after intervention with soy. This reduction in FSH and LH was highly significant as tested by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA; p < 0.001). After intervention with soy, a slight reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was recorded in the experimental group, indicating the beneficial effect of soy isoflavones on regulating blood pressure. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that soy supplementation could be recommended as an alternative therapy to hormone replacement therapy for control of postmenopausal symptoms.

Consensus physical activity guidelines for Asian Indians.

India is currently undergoing rapid economic, demographic, and lifestyle transformations. A key feature of the latter transformation has been inappropriate and inadequate diets and decreases in physical activity. Data from various parts of India have shown a steady increase in the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), etc., frequently in association with overweight or obesity. Comparative data show that Asian Indians are more sedentary than white Caucasians. In this review, the Consensus Group considered the available physical activity guidelines from international and Indian studies and formulated India-specific guidelines. A total of 60 min of physical activity is recommended every day for healthy Asian Indians in view of the high predisposition to develop T2DM and CHD. This should include at least 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 15 min of work-related activity, and 15 min of muscle-strengthening exercises. For children, moderate-intensity physical activity for 60 min daily should be in the form of sport and physical activity. This consensus statement also includes physical activity guidelines for pregnant women, the elderly, and those suffering from obesity, T2DM, CHD, etc. Proper application of guidelines is likely to have a significant impact on the prevalence and management of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, T2DM, and CHD in Asian Indians.

Consensus dietary guidelines for healthy living and prevention of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and related disorders in Asian Indians.

India is undergoing rapid nutritional transition, resulting in excess consumption of calories, saturated fats, trans fatty acids, simple sugars, salt and low intake of fiber. Such dietary transition and a sedentary lifestyle have led to an increase in obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], cardiovascular disease [CVD], etc.) predominantly in urban, but also in rural areas. In comparison with the previous guidelines, these consensus dietary guidelines include reduction in the intake of carbohydrates, preferential intake of complex carbohydrates and low glycemic index foods, higher intake of fiber, lower intake of saturated fats, optimal ratio of essential fatty acids, reduction in trans fatty acids, slightly higher protein intake, lower intake of salt, and restricted intake of sugar. While these guidelines are applicable to Asian Indians in any geographical setting, they are particularly applicable to those residing in urban and in semi-urban areas. Proper application of these guidelines will help curb the rising "epidemics" of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, T2DM, and CVD in Asian Indians.