April 18, 2026

A pervasive uniform aesthetic in consumer culture reflects a decline in individuality, driven by insecurity and the desire to belong. Brands and creators exploit this by selling ready-made identities, leading to overconsumption and environmental strain. This trend prioritises perception over utility, turning curated identities into disposable consumption. .. Step into a cafe, stroll across a college campus, wander through a mall corridor, or glance around an office floor — and one thing hits you: a uniform look. Clean-aesthetic tees, minimalist sneakers, matching water bottles, tote bags, neutral-toned gym outfits, skincare pouches, desk essentials — it’s as if everyone’s pulled straight from the same global wardrobe.But this sameness isn’t just fashion fatigue or convenience. It reflects a bigger shift — one where individuality is quietly fading, replaced by trend-driven conformity. Buying is no longer about what we need or genuinely like; it’s about belonging, insecurity, and feeding the endless scroll.Digital culture observer and content creator Oorjita Shahi, who commands a following of around 37k on social media and goes by @oorja.walking, has been closely tracking these patterns:“We’re in a loop where people are not buying for themselves; they’re buying for the version of themselves they think others want to see. That insecurity is exactly what brands tap into,” she says.What is overconsumption?Overconsumption isn’t just buying a lot. It’s buying more than you need, more than you use, and often more than you can responsibly discard. It means accumulating “stuff” — clothes, gadgets, accessories — at a pace far higher than your lifestyle actually requires.Often, these items aren’t bought for necessity. They’re aesthetic props: water bottles that photograph well, outfits that match a “feed vibe,” skincare kits that promise discipline, notebooks and planners that signal productivity, décor that “completes” a room.The consequences are real. The fashion and consumer goods industry is responsible for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Synthetic textiles release microplastics in washing cycles, and many clothes find themselves in landfills within a year. (Scientific American)Buying more than we need isn’t just personal indulgence — it’s a burden on resources, a generator of waste, and a contributor to climate stress.How brands and creators flatten tasteWhat once was local — shaped by culture, climate, and personal history — is now global. Brands and social media creators aren’t selling just products anymore; they’re selling a ready-made aesthetic.With global supply chains, social media marketing, product drops, and algorithm-driven trends, a look created in one place can spread everywhere in days. Platforms reward sameness: neutral clothes, minimalist rooms, curated routines. Follow the formula and you get visibility — and not just online. These aesthetics become social expectations in real life too, shaping how people dress, decorate, and present themselves.Consumers, then, are rarely buying a product — they’re buying a template for identity.Insecurity: the quiet nudgeThe engine behind all this is insecurity. Marketing no longer sells utility; it sells reassurance. Posts, Stories, and videos on Instagram or TikTok cultivate longing: the feeling that maybe, just maybe, you’re not quite enough without this bag, this sneaker, this serum.Psychologists describe this phenomenon as Social Comparison Theory: People constantly evaluate themselves against others, measuring their lives, looks, and possessions. Social media feeds amplify this comparison, nudging users toward purchases that promise belonging, status, or social approval.Research confirms it. A 2021 study, Instagram Influencer Marketing: Perceived Social Media Marketing Activities and Online Impulse Buying, found that when influencers are attractive and trustworthy, users are significantly more likely to make impulse purchases. (First Monday)“If they have it and look good, maybe I should too,” Oorjita explains. That subtle nudge, often subconscious, becomes a cycle of overconsumption.Trends move fast because satisfaction is the enemy of the algorithm; insecurity is its most reliable employee.Fomo: engine behind overconsumptionFear of missing out — Fomo— is more than a buzzword; it has become a behavioural driver for many online shoppers. Social media platforms, armed with data on what catches your eye, deliberately create a sense of urgency. Limited-edition drops, countdown timers, trending hashtags, and influencer endorsements combine to make users feel that if they don’t act immediately, they’ll be left behind socially.The effect goes beyond a single purchase. Each “must-have” item comes with the invisible expectation of a next upgrade, a newer release, or a seasonal refresh. The fleeting satisfaction of acquiring a trending item is almost always replaced by the pressure to chase the next one. In this ecosystem, buying becomes less about fulfillment and more about keeping pace with the digital social hierarchy.Overpriced props: When utility takes a backseatMany of the products trending online are designed for perception rather than function. They promise visual appeal, social validation, or a lifestyle narrative, rather than practical value. A pastel water bottle may cost multiple times a standard reusable bottle, not because it performs better, but because it signals belonging to a curated aesthetic.Similarly, notebooks, planners, hoodies, and even niche skincare kits often survive solely on “vibe” — the sense that they complete a personal or social narrative. Once their novelty fades, these items frequently languish unused, join the pile of impulse buys, or end up discarded, contributing to environmental waste. Overconsumption, in this way, turns curated identity into disposable consumption, and the cost is measured not just in money, but in environmental and psychological tolls.Social media’s role in impulse buyingResearch backs this pattern. Instagram users exposed to trustworthy and relatable influencers are more likely to impulse-buy. (First Monday, 2021)Another study, The Influence of Instagram Influencers on Impulse Buying Fashion Products (Journal UNNES), found that trust, similarity, and familiarity of influencers drive spontaneous purchases.Trend-driven fashion also carries an environmental cost, contributing roughly 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Scientific American)Why this is a social issueOverconsumption isn’t just personal — it’s societal, with consequences that ripple far beyond individual choices.Environmental burden: Resource depletion, emissions from production and shipping, water usage, and eventual waste affect everyone, far beyond the buyer. Landfills grow, oceans fill with microplastics from synthetic textiles, and the carbon footprint of “ultrafast” fashion accelerates climate stress.Inequality & exclusion: If you can’t keep up with constant trends, you risk being “left out.” This isn’t just a social media feeling — it affects real-world interactions, from workplaces to schools. The pressure to maintain an appearance of being “up-to-date” reinforces economic and social disparities.Psychological pressure: Social comparison, FOMO, and influencer-driven ideals turn identity into a performance. People start measuring self-worth against feeds rather than personal values.Cultural flattening: When everyone copies the same aesthetic, individuality disappears. Local styles, cultural nuances, and personal experimentation are replaced with homogenized, algorithm-approved visuals. The result is a monoculture of taste, where creativity and cultural diversity are suppressed.Normalisation of waste: Impulse buying and disposability become habits. Owning fewer, better-curated items is no longer aspirational; chasing constant novelty is normalised.Reclaiming individuality in a copy-paste worldSolutions begin small, but they matter. Resisting the scroll starts with pausing before buying, reflecting on whether an item is genuinely for you or just for your feed. Choosing with intention, prioritizing durability and personal style, buying fewer items but wearing them longer, and repairing instead of replacing are all ways to regain control.Supporting transparent creators who disclose sponsorships, choosing sustainable brands, reusing, recycling, and ultimately redefining identity beyond consumption all reinforce individuality.“Personality is made by what you learn through living, not scrolling,” Oorjita reminds us.High cost of looking the sameIn a world of mass-produced aesthetics and viral feeds, individuality is quietly disappearing — replaced by uniformity, impulse, waste, and dissatisfaction. Influencer culture, algorithmic virality, and brand-driven marketing don’t just sell products — they sell versions of identity, belonging, and acceptance, and belonging’s currency is constant consumption.But overconsumption isn’t just personal: it burdens the planet, erases diversity, and normalizes waste as lifestyle. Real resistance means choosing slowly, buying intentionally, and reclaiming identity from the scroll.Before your next purchase, ask: Is this for me — or for my feed? Because individuality was never meant to be mass-produced, and real style was never meant to be just trending.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAirbus A320 Glitch: Ex-IAF Pilot Shows How ELAC 2 Fails In Real-Time Flight Simulation‘Can’t Make Someone Disappear’: Shashi Tharoor Calls Out Pakistan Over Imran Khan’s Death RumoursPolitics Increasingly ‘Trumps’ Economics: EAM Jaishankar’s Veiled Swipe At US Amid Trade Tensions4 Dead, 1 Injured As Fire Engulfs Four-Storey Building In South DelhiKashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0: 300 Varanasi Students To Visit Tamil Nadu As Centre Expands Tamil Outreach“Our Rashtra Built On Culture, Not Clashes”: RSS Chief’s Big Claim On Nationhood“Oppression Will Trigger Jihad”: Jamiat Chief’s Explosive Claim Stirs StormEAM Jaishankar Decodes Massive US China Power Shift And Global Realignment In Sharp Kolkata AddressImran Khan Isolation Sparks Fury As PTI Claims His Photo Could Transform Pak’s Political RealityDelhi Court Extends Anmol Bishnoi’s Custody; NIA Probes Gang-Terror Links123Photostories7 most bizarre food combinations from IndiaGujarat’s Rs 9.12cr Steel Bridge Project: What’s New After the CollapseNot just LDL cholesterol: Here are 6 biomarkers that can predict longevityKangana Ranaut’s rise from reel queen to fearless power playerFrom ‘Sholay’ to ‘The Burning Train’: Top 5 films starring Bollywood’s golden couple, Dharmendra and Hema Malini5 secret recipes guarded for decades and worth billionsM.S Umesh to Ravikumar Menon: A look at recent death in South Indian cinemaBollywood friendship films celebrating unbreakable bonds and lasting memoriesFrom ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’ exit to explosive allegations against Siddharth Shukla: Times when Shilpa Shinde make headlineAmitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar: Bollywood stars who consider Dharmendra their ultimate inspiration123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGiannis AntetokounmpoBo BichetteED SheeranMLB Trade RumorsStefon diggsSouth Delhi SuicideBike Driver Account Udaipur EDAyesha CurryFuzzy ZoellerJammie Booker

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins
A pervasive uniform aesthetic in consumer culture reflects a decline in individuality, driven by insecurity and the desire to belong. Brands and creators exploit this by selling ready-made identities, leading to overconsumption and environmental strain. This trend prioritises perception over utility, turning curated identities into disposable consumption. .. Step into a cafe, stroll across a college campus, wander through a mall corridor, or glance around an office floor — and one thing hits you: a uniform look. Clean-aesthetic tees, minimalist sneakers, matching water bottles, tote bags, neutral-toned gym outfits, skincare pouches, desk essentials — it’s as if everyone’s pulled straight from the same global wardrobe.But this sameness isn’t just fashion fatigue or convenience. It reflects a bigger shift — one where individuality is quietly fading, replaced by trend-driven conformity. Buying is no longer about what we need or genuinely like; it’s about belonging, insecurity, and feeding the endless scroll.Digital culture observer and content creator Oorjita Shahi, who commands a following of around 37k on social media and goes by @oorja.walking, has been closely tracking these patterns:“We’re in a loop where people are not buying for themselves; they’re buying for the version of themselves they think others want to see. That insecurity is exactly what brands tap into,” she says.What is overconsumption?Overconsumption isn’t just buying a lot. It’s buying more than you need, more than you use, and often more than you can responsibly discard. It means accumulating “stuff” — clothes, gadgets, accessories — at a pace far higher than your lifestyle actually requires.Often, these items aren’t bought for necessity. They’re aesthetic props: water bottles that photograph well, outfits that match a “feed vibe,” skincare kits that promise discipline, notebooks and planners that signal productivity, décor that “completes” a room.The consequences are real. The fashion and consumer goods industry is responsible for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Synthetic textiles release microplastics in washing cycles, and many clothes find themselves in landfills within a year. (Scientific American)Buying more than we need isn’t just personal indulgence — it’s a burden on resources, a generator of waste, and a contributor to climate stress.How brands and creators flatten tasteWhat once was local — shaped by culture, climate, and personal history — is now global. Brands and social media creators aren’t selling just products anymore; they’re selling a ready-made aesthetic.With global supply chains, social media marketing, product drops, and algorithm-driven trends, a look created in one place can spread everywhere in days. Platforms reward sameness: neutral clothes, minimalist rooms, curated routines. Follow the formula and you get visibility — and not just online. These aesthetics become social expectations in real life too, shaping how people dress, decorate, and present themselves.Consumers, then, are rarely buying a product — they’re buying a template for identity.Insecurity: the quiet nudgeThe engine behind all this is insecurity. Marketing no longer sells utility; it sells reassurance. Posts, Stories, and videos on Instagram or TikTok cultivate longing: the feeling that maybe, just maybe, you’re not quite enough without this bag, this sneaker, this serum.Psychologists describe this phenomenon as Social Comparison Theory: People constantly evaluate themselves against others, measuring their lives, looks, and possessions. Social media feeds amplify this comparison, nudging users toward purchases that promise belonging, status, or social approval.Research confirms it. A 2021 study, Instagram Influencer Marketing: Perceived Social Media Marketing Activities and Online Impulse Buying, found that when influencers are attractive and trustworthy, users are significantly more likely to make impulse purchases. (First Monday)“If they have it and look good, maybe I should too,” Oorjita explains. That subtle nudge, often subconscious, becomes a cycle of overconsumption.Trends move fast because satisfaction is the enemy of the algorithm; insecurity is its most reliable employee.Fomo: engine behind overconsumptionFear of missing out — Fomo— is more than a buzzword; it has become a behavioural driver for many online shoppers. Social media platforms, armed with data on what catches your eye, deliberately create a sense of urgency. Limited-edition drops, countdown timers, trending hashtags, and influencer endorsements combine to make users feel that if they don’t act immediately, they’ll be left behind socially.The effect goes beyond a single purchase. Each “must-have” item comes with the invisible expectation of a next upgrade, a newer release, or a seasonal refresh. The fleeting satisfaction of acquiring a trending item is almost always replaced by the pressure to chase the next one. In this ecosystem, buying becomes less about fulfillment and more about keeping pace with the digital social hierarchy.Overpriced props: When utility takes a backseatMany of the products trending online are designed for perception rather than function. They promise visual appeal, social validation, or a lifestyle narrative, rather than practical value. A pastel water bottle may cost multiple times a standard reusable bottle, not because it performs better, but because it signals belonging to a curated aesthetic.Similarly, notebooks, planners, hoodies, and even niche skincare kits often survive solely on “vibe” — the sense that they complete a personal or social narrative. Once their novelty fades, these items frequently languish unused, join the pile of impulse buys, or end up discarded, contributing to environmental waste. Overconsumption, in this way, turns curated identity into disposable consumption, and the cost is measured not just in money, but in environmental and psychological tolls.Social media’s role in impulse buyingResearch backs this pattern. Instagram users exposed to trustworthy and relatable influencers are more likely to impulse-buy. (First Monday, 2021)Another study, The Influence of Instagram Influencers on Impulse Buying Fashion Products (Journal UNNES), found that trust, similarity, and familiarity of influencers drive spontaneous purchases.Trend-driven fashion also carries an environmental cost, contributing roughly 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Scientific American)Why this is a social issueOverconsumption isn’t just personal — it’s societal, with consequences that ripple far beyond individual choices.Environmental burden: Resource depletion, emissions from production and shipping, water usage, and eventual waste affect everyone, far beyond the buyer. Landfills grow, oceans fill with microplastics from synthetic textiles, and the carbon footprint of “ultrafast” fashion accelerates climate stress.Inequality & exclusion: If you can’t keep up with constant trends, you risk being “left out.” This isn’t just a social media feeling — it affects real-world interactions, from workplaces to schools. The pressure to maintain an appearance of being “up-to-date” reinforces economic and social disparities.Psychological pressure: Social comparison, FOMO, and influencer-driven ideals turn identity into a performance. People start measuring self-worth against feeds rather than personal values.Cultural flattening: When everyone copies the same aesthetic, individuality disappears. Local styles, cultural nuances, and personal experimentation are replaced with homogenized, algorithm-approved visuals. The result is a monoculture of taste, where creativity and cultural diversity are suppressed.Normalisation of waste: Impulse buying and disposability become habits. Owning fewer, better-curated items is no longer aspirational; chasing constant novelty is normalised.Reclaiming individuality in a copy-paste worldSolutions begin small, but they matter. Resisting the scroll starts with pausing before buying, reflecting on whether an item is genuinely for you or just for your feed. Choosing with intention, prioritizing durability and personal style, buying fewer items but wearing them longer, and repairing instead of replacing are all ways to regain control.Supporting transparent creators who disclose sponsorships, choosing sustainable brands, reusing, recycling, and ultimately redefining identity beyond consumption all reinforce individuality.“Personality is made by what you learn through living, not scrolling,” Oorjita reminds us.High cost of looking the sameIn a world of mass-produced aesthetics and viral feeds, individuality is quietly disappearing — replaced by uniformity, impulse, waste, and dissatisfaction. Influencer culture, algorithmic virality, and brand-driven marketing don’t just sell products — they sell versions of identity, belonging, and acceptance, and belonging’s currency is constant consumption.But overconsumption isn’t just personal: it burdens the planet, erases diversity, and normalizes waste as lifestyle. Real resistance means choosing slowly, buying intentionally, and reclaiming identity from the scroll.Before your next purchase, ask: Is this for me — or for my feed? Because individuality was never meant to be mass-produced, and real style was never meant to be just trending.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAirbus A320 Glitch: Ex-IAF Pilot Shows How ELAC 2 Fails In Real-Time Flight Simulation‘Can’t Make Someone Disappear’: Shashi Tharoor Calls Out Pakistan Over Imran Khan’s Death RumoursPolitics Increasingly ‘Trumps’ Economics: EAM Jaishankar’s Veiled Swipe At US Amid Trade Tensions4 Dead, 1 Injured As Fire Engulfs Four-Storey Building In South DelhiKashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0: 300 Varanasi Students To Visit Tamil Nadu As Centre Expands Tamil Outreach“Our Rashtra Built On Culture, Not Clashes”: RSS Chief’s Big Claim On Nationhood“Oppression Will Trigger Jihad”: Jamiat Chief’s Explosive Claim Stirs StormEAM Jaishankar Decodes Massive US China Power Shift And Global Realignment In Sharp Kolkata AddressImran Khan Isolation Sparks Fury As PTI Claims His Photo Could Transform Pak’s Political RealityDelhi Court Extends Anmol Bishnoi’s Custody; NIA Probes Gang-Terror Links123Photostories7 most bizarre food combinations from IndiaGujarat’s Rs 9.12cr Steel Bridge Project: What’s New After the CollapseNot just LDL cholesterol: Here are 6 biomarkers that can predict longevityKangana Ranaut’s rise from reel queen to fearless power playerFrom ‘Sholay’ to ‘The Burning Train’: Top 5 films starring Bollywood’s golden couple, Dharmendra and Hema Malini5 secret recipes guarded for decades and worth billionsM.S Umesh to Ravikumar Menon: A look at recent death in South Indian cinemaBollywood friendship films celebrating unbreakable bonds and lasting memoriesFrom ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’ exit to explosive allegations against Siddharth Shukla: Times when Shilpa Shinde make headlineAmitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar: Bollywood stars who consider Dharmendra their ultimate inspiration123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGiannis AntetokounmpoBo BichetteED SheeranMLB Trade RumorsStefon diggsSouth Delhi SuicideBike Driver Account Udaipur EDAyesha CurryFuzzy ZoellerJammie Booker


Wait… do I really need that bag, or is Instagram gaslighting me again?

Step into a cafe, stroll across a college campus, wander through a mall corridor, or glance around an office floor — and one thing hits you: a uniform look. Clean-aesthetic tees, minimalist sneakers, matching water bottles, tote bags, neutral-toned gym outfits, skincare pouches, desk essentials — it’s as if everyone’s pulled straight from the same global wardrobe.But this sameness isn’t just fashion fatigue or convenience. It reflects a bigger shift — one where individuality is quietly fading, replaced by trend-driven conformity. Buying is no longer about what we need or genuinely like; it’s about belonging, insecurity, and feeding the endless scroll.Digital culture observer and content creator Oorjita Shahi, who commands a following of around 37k on social media and goes by @oorja.walking, has been closely tracking these patterns:“We’re in a loop where people are not buying for themselves; they’re buying for the version of themselves they think others want to see. That insecurity is exactly what brands tap into,” she says.

What is overconsumption?

Overconsumption isn’t just buying a lot. It’s buying more than you need, more than you use, and often more than you can responsibly discard. It means accumulating “stuff” — clothes, gadgets, accessories — at a pace far higher than your lifestyle actually requires.Often, these items aren’t bought for necessity. They’re aesthetic props: water bottles that photograph well, outfits that match a “feed vibe,” skincare kits that promise discipline, notebooks and planners that signal productivity, décor that “completes” a room.The consequences are real. The fashion and consumer goods industry is responsible for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Synthetic textiles release microplastics in washing cycles, and many clothes find themselves in landfills within a year. (Scientific American)Buying more than we need isn’t just personal indulgence — it’s a burden on resources, a generator of waste, and a contributor to climate stress.

.

How brands and creators flatten taste

What once was local — shaped by culture, climate, and personal history — is now global. Brands and social media creators aren’t selling just products anymore; they’re selling a ready-made aesthetic.With global supply chains, social media marketing, product drops, and algorithm-driven trends, a look created in one place can spread everywhere in days. Platforms reward sameness: neutral clothes, minimalist rooms, curated routines. Follow the formula and you get visibility — and not just online. These aesthetics become social expectations in real life too, shaping how people dress, decorate, and present themselves.Consumers, then, are rarely buying a product — they’re buying a template for identity.

Insecurity: the quiet nudge

The engine behind all this is insecurity. Marketing no longer sells utility; it sells reassurance. Posts, Stories, and videos on Instagram or TikTok cultivate longing: the feeling that maybe, just maybe, you’re not quite enough without this bag, this sneaker, this serum.Psychologists describe this phenomenon as Social Comparison Theory: People constantly evaluate themselves against others, measuring their lives, looks, and possessions. Social media feeds amplify this comparison, nudging users toward purchases that promise belonging, status, or social approval.Research confirms it. A 2021 study, Instagram Influencer Marketing: Perceived Social Media Marketing Activities and Online Impulse Buying, found that when influencers are attractive and trustworthy, users are significantly more likely to make impulse purchases. (First Monday)“If they have it and look good, maybe I should too,” Oorjita explains. That subtle nudge, often subconscious, becomes a cycle of overconsumption.Trends move fast because satisfaction is the enemy of the algorithm; insecurity is its most reliable employee.

Fomo: engine behind overconsumption

Fear of missing out — Fomo— is more than a buzzword; it has become a behavioural driver for many online shoppers. Social media platforms, armed with data on what catches your eye, deliberately create a sense of urgency. Limited-edition drops, countdown timers, trending hashtags, and influencer endorsements combine to make users feel that if they don’t act immediately, they’ll be left behind socially.The effect goes beyond a single purchase. Each “must-have” item comes with the invisible expectation of a next upgrade, a newer release, or a seasonal refresh. The fleeting satisfaction of acquiring a trending item is almost always replaced by the pressure to chase the next one. In this ecosystem, buying becomes less about fulfillment and more about keeping pace with the digital social hierarchy.

Overpriced props: When utility takes a backseat

Many of the products trending online are designed for perception rather than function. They promise visual appeal, social validation, or a lifestyle narrative, rather than practical value. A pastel water bottle may cost multiple times a standard reusable bottle, not because it performs better, but because it signals belonging to a curated aesthetic.Similarly, notebooks, planners, hoodies, and even niche skincare kits often survive solely on “vibe” — the sense that they complete a personal or social narrative. Once their novelty fades, these items frequently languish unused, join the pile of impulse buys, or end up discarded, contributing to environmental waste. Overconsumption, in this way, turns curated identity into disposable consumption, and the cost is measured not just in money, but in environmental and psychological tolls.

.

Social media’s role in impulse buying

Research backs this pattern. Instagram users exposed to trustworthy and relatable influencers are more likely to impulse-buy. (First Monday, 2021)Another study, The Influence of Instagram Influencers on Impulse Buying Fashion Products (Journal UNNES), found that trust, similarity, and familiarity of influencers drive spontaneous purchases.Trend-driven fashion also carries an environmental cost, contributing roughly 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Scientific American)

Why this is a social issue

Overconsumption isn’t just personal — it’s societal, with consequences that ripple far beyond individual choices.

  • Environmental burden: Resource depletion, emissions from production and shipping, water usage, and eventual waste affect everyone, far beyond the buyer. Landfills grow, oceans fill with microplastics from synthetic textiles, and the carbon footprint of “ultrafast” fashion accelerates climate stress.
  • Inequality & exclusion: If you can’t keep up with constant trends, you risk being “left out.” This isn’t just a social media feeling — it affects real-world interactions, from workplaces to schools. The pressure to maintain an appearance of being “up-to-date” reinforces economic and social disparities.
  • Psychological pressure: Social comparison, FOMO, and influencer-driven ideals turn identity into a performance. People start measuring self-worth against feeds rather than personal values.
  • Cultural flattening: When everyone copies the same aesthetic, individuality disappears. Local styles, cultural nuances, and personal experimentation are replaced with homogenized, algorithm-approved visuals. The result is a monoculture of taste, where creativity and cultural diversity are suppressed.
  • Normalisation of waste: Impulse buying and disposability become habits. Owning fewer, better-curated items is no longer aspirational; chasing constant novelty is normalised.

Reclaiming individuality in a copy-paste world

Solutions begin small, but they matter. Resisting the scroll starts with pausing before buying, reflecting on whether an item is genuinely for you or just for your feed. Choosing with intention, prioritizing durability and personal style, buying fewer items but wearing them longer, and repairing instead of replacing are all ways to regain control.Supporting transparent creators who disclose sponsorships, choosing sustainable brands, reusing, recycling, and ultimately redefining identity beyond consumption all reinforce individuality.“Personality is made by what you learn through living, not scrolling,” Oorjita reminds us.

High cost of looking the same

In a world of mass-produced aesthetics and viral feeds, individuality is quietly disappearing — replaced by uniformity, impulse, waste, and dissatisfaction. Influencer culture, algorithmic virality, and brand-driven marketing don’t just sell products — they sell versions of identity, belonging, and acceptance, and belonging’s currency is constant consumption.But overconsumption isn’t just personal: it burdens the planet, erases diversity, and normalizes waste as lifestyle. Real resistance means choosing slowly, buying intentionally, and reclaiming identity from the scroll.Before your next purchase, ask: Is this for me — or for my feed? Because individuality was never meant to be mass-produced, and real style was never meant to be just trending.





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PM Modi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an election rally in Coimbatore on Saturday, where he said voters in Tamil Nadu would bring the NDA to power and remove the DMK government.“A new chapter is being written in the politics of Tamil Nadu. Tamil people are giving one clear message-NDA is in, DMK is out,” he said. Watch Tamil Nadu elections 2026: Freebies war heats up between DMK, AIADMK & rivals Speaking about the failure of the constitution amendment bill on women’s reservation in parliament yesterday, PM Modi said he felt pain and anger over the outcome. “Today, amid my people, I want to express my pain and anger. I personally appealed to all the political parties to support the bill. I told them clearly that they may take the credit; I have no objection. I only wanted sisters from ordinary families to come to the parliament and assemblies in greater numbers,” he said.Attacking the opposition including DMK and Congress for the bill’s failure, he said, “DMK, Congress and their allies made it a target of hatred and petty politics,” he said.Further targeting the ruling DMK for wearing black clothes in protest, on Thursday, he said, “By wearing black clothes, DMK cannot cover up their wrong intentions. People know your black deeds and you cannot escape them any longer.”The Prime Minister accused the party of failing to support women. He said the DMK “harms women” in Tamil Nadu and “doesn’t stand with women in parliament either,” adding that the party would get a response for its “anti-women stand.””Why does it trouble DMK and Congress to see women rise? These one-family parties want power to remain confined within their own families,” he said, adding, “Tamil Nadu has reached two new levels: one family’s wealth and the state’s debt; DMK’s top family is becoming richer while each Tamil Nadu person faces increasing debt.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority Test123Photostories5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themGetting married after 30? Have THESE 5 conversations first or regret it later123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

PM Modi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an election rally in Coimbatore on Saturday, where he said voters in Tamil Nadu would bring the NDA to power and remove the DMK government.“A new chapter is being written in the politics of Tamil Nadu. Tamil people are giving one clear message-NDA is in, DMK is out,” he said. Watch Tamil Nadu elections 2026: Freebies war heats up between DMK, AIADMK & rivals Speaking about the failure of the constitution amendment bill on women’s reservation in parliament yesterday, PM Modi said he felt pain and anger over the outcome. “Today, amid my people, I want to express my pain and anger. I personally appealed to all the political parties to support the bill. I told them clearly that they may take the credit; I have no objection. I only wanted sisters from ordinary families to come to the parliament and assemblies in greater numbers,” he said.Attacking the opposition including DMK and Congress for the bill’s failure, he said, “DMK, Congress and their allies made it a target of hatred and petty politics,” he said.Further targeting the ruling DMK for wearing black clothes in protest, on Thursday, he said, “By wearing black clothes, DMK cannot cover up their wrong intentions. People know your black deeds and you cannot escape them any longer.”The Prime Minister accused the party of failing to support women. He said the DMK “harms women” in Tamil Nadu and “doesn’t stand with women in parliament either,” adding that the party would get a response for its “anti-women stand.””Why does it trouble DMK and Congress to see women rise? These one-family parties want power to remain confined within their own families,” he said, adding, “Tamil Nadu has reached two new levels: one family’s wealth and the state’s debt; DMK’s top family is becoming richer while each Tamil Nadu person faces increasing debt.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority Test123Photostories5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themGetting married after 30? Have THESE 5 conversations first or regret it later123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

Vamsikrishna 0
New Delhi: As India sharpens its push to build a rules-based framework for artificial intelligence amid rapid technological advances and rising global scrutiny, the Centre has set up a specialised expert body to bridge the gap between policy ambition and technical complexity.The ministry of electronics and IT (MeitY) has constituted the Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC), a standing advisory group that will support the newly formed AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) in shaping India’s AI governance architecture. The move comes at a time when governments worldwide are grappling with regulating fast-evolving AI systems while balancing innovation and safeguards.According to an official memorandum, the TPEC will provide “specialised technical, policy and strategic expertise” to enable informed decision-making on regulatory design, global engagement and emerging AI capabilities.Chaired by the MeitY secretary, the panel brings together experts from academia, industry and digital policy, including representatives from IIT Madras, IIT Gandhinagar, Nasscom, Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and MAIT.The committee’s mandate includes briefing the AIGEG on “matters of national importance”, identifying risks and regulatory gaps, tracking global policy developments, and advising on India’s diplomatic positioning in AI governance.Within the broader governance structure, the AIGEG will steer strategic direction and inter-ministerial coordination, while the TPEC will translate complex technological developments into actionable policy inputs.Officials said the framework is designed to ensure a “dynamic, adaptive and future-forward approach” to AI regulation, aligned with India’s socio-economic context while keeping pace with global standards.The institutionalisation of expert-led advisory mechanisms signals a shift towards more structured and anticipatory governance, as India positions itself as both a major AI adopter and a rule-shaper in global forums.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha Row123Photostories5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themGetting married after 30? Have THESE 5 conversations first or regret it later123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

New Delhi: As India sharpens its push to build a rules-based framework for artificial intelligence amid rapid technological advances and rising global scrutiny, the Centre has set up a specialised expert body to bridge the gap between policy ambition and technical complexity.The ministry of electronics and IT (MeitY) has constituted the Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC), a standing advisory group that will support the newly formed AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) in shaping India’s AI governance architecture. The move comes at a time when governments worldwide are grappling with regulating fast-evolving AI systems while balancing innovation and safeguards.According to an official memorandum, the TPEC will provide “specialised technical, policy and strategic expertise” to enable informed decision-making on regulatory design, global engagement and emerging AI capabilities.Chaired by the MeitY secretary, the panel brings together experts from academia, industry and digital policy, including representatives from IIT Madras, IIT Gandhinagar, Nasscom, Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and MAIT.The committee’s mandate includes briefing the AIGEG on “matters of national importance”, identifying risks and regulatory gaps, tracking global policy developments, and advising on India’s diplomatic positioning in AI governance.Within the broader governance structure, the AIGEG will steer strategic direction and inter-ministerial coordination, while the TPEC will translate complex technological developments into actionable policy inputs.Officials said the framework is designed to ensure a “dynamic, adaptive and future-forward approach” to AI regulation, aligned with India’s socio-economic context while keeping pace with global standards.The institutionalisation of expert-led advisory mechanisms signals a shift towards more structured and anticipatory governance, as India positions itself as both a major AI adopter and a rule-shaper in global forums.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha Row123Photostories5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themGetting married after 30? Have THESE 5 conversations first or regret it later123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

Vamsikrishna 0
. The weight problem in India is getting younger. More than half of those under 30 are now overweight or obese, according to a latest health report. Excess weight gained early increases the risk of metabolic diseases at a much younger age.Government surveys and hospital data across India also show a steady rise in weight, metabolic disorders and early-onset lifestyle diseases.Across cities and small towns, weight gain is becoming more common among young people, driven by changes in diet, reduced physical activity and increasingly sedentary lifestyles.Obesity among young Indians is therefore emerging as a long-term public health concern.Health of the Nation 2025The latest Health of the Nation 2025 report by Apollo has drawn attention to a shift that doctors say they have been observing for years.The report notes that more than half of Indians under 30 fall into the overweight or obese category, based on data drawn from preventive health checks.Within younger populations, it also highlights how weight increases sharply with age, especially during the transition from school to college. Among students, the proportion of those overweight rises from 8% in primary school to 28% in college.What makes this finding significant is not just the number, but the timing. Weight gain is happening earlier and accelerating faster than in previous generations.The data also links obesity with related metabolic risks, particularly fatty liver disease. A large share of those with obesity were found to have fatty liver, reinforcing the connection between excess weight and internal organ stress.Doctors say this trend is already visible in hospitals. “It’s easy for people under 30 to slide into obesity-related problems, including insulin resistance and fatty liver, all due to a sedentary lifestyle, increased screen time, poor eating habits, and consuming excessive amounts of processed foods,” said Dr Sukhvinder Singh Saggu, director – Minimal Access, GI & Bariatric Surgery at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.According to him, many cases go unnoticed early on. “Most people develop these problems silently,” he said, noting that many patients diagnosed today would earlier have been considered low risk. “If these patients do not receive early intervention, their fatty liver or metabolic abnormalities may progress into serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease,” he warned.What govt data saysThe report’s findings aren’t the only ones, but the government data also shows a similar trend. According to the National Family Health Survey, overweight and obesity levels have risen steadily across India over the past decade. The survey found that around 24% of women and 23% of men aged 15–49 are overweight or obese, up from previous rounds.What stands out is the pace of increase among younger adults, particularly in urban areas. The survey also shows that weight gain is no longer limited to affluent groups, but is spreading across income categories.Similarly, the Indian Council of Medical Research has flagged obesity as a key driver of non-communicable diseases in India, warning that rising body weight is closely linked to diabetes and cardiovascular risk.Shrinking timelineThe concern is not just how many people are overweight, but how early it begins. Traditionally, obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or hypertension were seen in middle age. That timeline is changing now. Medical institutions, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, have repeatedly flagged the growing number of young patients presenting with metabolic risk factors.The reason lies in how obesity affects the body over time. Excess fat, particularly around the abdomen, interferes with insulin function, leading to insulin resistance. This is often the first step towards type 2 diabetes.At the same time, obesity contributes to higher blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. When these conditions cluster together, they significantly increase the risk of heart disease.If these processes begin in a person’s twenties instead of their forties, the cumulative exposure to risk doubles and that is what makes early-onset obesity more dangerous. .What changed in a generation?The rise in obesity among young Indians is closely tied to changes in lifestyle. Urbanisation has reduced everyday physical activity. Walking and manual routines have been replaced by desk-based work and screen-heavy schedules. Students and young professionals now spend long hours sitting, often with limited exercise.Diet has undergone an equally sharp shift. Traditional meal patterns are increasingly replaced by processed food, frequent snacking, and irregular eating habits. High-calorie, low-fibre diets contribute directly to weight gain.Sleep disruption adds another layer. Irregular sleep cycles affect hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger. This can lead to increased calorie intake and weight gain over time.These changes are gradual, but their combined effect is dangerous. Over time, they create a sustained energy imbalance that leads to weight gain.The silent killerOne of the most important insights from the report is the link between obesity and fatty liver disease. The report shows that a large proportion of individuals screened had fatty liver, and that most of these cases were non-alcoholic in nature.Fatty liver often develops silently. Many individuals remain asymptomatic until the condition progresses.“Fatty liver disease is generally asymptomatic during its initial stages,” Dr Saggu said. “Once diagnosed, lifestyle modifications can sometimes reverse the condition and prevent further damage to the liver.”He added that early screening plays a key role. “Liver function tests and ultrasound testing are simple ways of detecting early changes,” he said, especially for those who are overweight, physically inactive, or have a family history of metabolic disease. Over time, fatty live can lead to inflammation, liver damage, and in severe cases, cirrhosis.The growing prevalence of fatty liver among younger individuals shows that obesity is already affecting internal health, not just external appearance.Early onset, longer impactThe most serious implication of rising obesity under 30 is its long-term impact. When weight-related risk begins early, it extends the duration over which the body is exposed to metabolic stress. This increases the likelihood of complications later in life.The Indian Council of Medical Research has warned that India is already seeing a high burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and that early onset will only intensify this trend.In practical terms, this could mean that a larger population requires long-term treatment, higher healthcare costs, and a younger demographic dealing with chronic illness.Can it be reversed?The advantage of early onset is that intervention can also begin early. Weight gain in the twenties is often more responsive to lifestyle changes than in later decades. Regular physical activity, balanced diets, and improved sleep patterns can significantly reduce risk if adopted consistently.Public health programmes are increasingly focusing on prevention rather than treatment. Government initiatives like the Fit India Movement, promoting fitness, dietary awareness, and routine screening, aim to address the issue before it progresses. Not only can early diagnosis help reverse the condition of fatty liver disease through lifestyle modifications, but early event detection can also substantially lower the likelihood of developing a long-term health complication resulting from fatty liver disease.Dr. Sukhvinder Singh Saggu, Director – Minimal Access, GI & Bariatric Surgery at the CK Birla Hospital®, DelhiHowever, the challenge remains behavioural. Awareness alone is not enough unless it translates into sustained lifestyle change.What next? The rise of obesity among young Indians reflects a broader transition in the country’s health profile. India is moving from a burden of infectious diseases to one dominated by lifestyle-related conditions. What makes this transition more complex is that it is happening alongside persistent issues like undernutrition. The result is a dual burden, where different sections of the population face different health risks at the same time.The Apollo report provides a snapshot, but multiple datasets back the larger trend. Obesity is rising, starting earlier, and linking more closely with chronic disease. The idea that these are problems of middle age no longer applies. For young Indians, the shift is already underway. It is time the country’s youth begin to see weight not as a cosmetic issue, but as an early warning sign of long-term health risk.About the AuthorAnushree SinhaAnushree is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of IndiaEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! 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. The weight problem in India is getting younger. More than half of those under 30 are now overweight or obese, according to a latest health report. Excess weight gained early increases the risk of metabolic diseases at a much younger age.Government surveys and hospital data across India also show a steady rise in weight, metabolic disorders and early-onset lifestyle diseases.Across cities and small towns, weight gain is becoming more common among young people, driven by changes in diet, reduced physical activity and increasingly sedentary lifestyles.Obesity among young Indians is therefore emerging as a long-term public health concern.Health of the Nation 2025The latest Health of the Nation 2025 report by Apollo has drawn attention to a shift that doctors say they have been observing for years.The report notes that more than half of Indians under 30 fall into the overweight or obese category, based on data drawn from preventive health checks.Within younger populations, it also highlights how weight increases sharply with age, especially during the transition from school to college. Among students, the proportion of those overweight rises from 8% in primary school to 28% in college.What makes this finding significant is not just the number, but the timing. Weight gain is happening earlier and accelerating faster than in previous generations.The data also links obesity with related metabolic risks, particularly fatty liver disease. A large share of those with obesity were found to have fatty liver, reinforcing the connection between excess weight and internal organ stress.Doctors say this trend is already visible in hospitals. “It’s easy for people under 30 to slide into obesity-related problems, including insulin resistance and fatty liver, all due to a sedentary lifestyle, increased screen time, poor eating habits, and consuming excessive amounts of processed foods,” said Dr Sukhvinder Singh Saggu, director – Minimal Access, GI & Bariatric Surgery at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.According to him, many cases go unnoticed early on. “Most people develop these problems silently,” he said, noting that many patients diagnosed today would earlier have been considered low risk. “If these patients do not receive early intervention, their fatty liver or metabolic abnormalities may progress into serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease,” he warned.What govt data saysThe report’s findings aren’t the only ones, but the government data also shows a similar trend. According to the National Family Health Survey, overweight and obesity levels have risen steadily across India over the past decade. The survey found that around 24% of women and 23% of men aged 15–49 are overweight or obese, up from previous rounds.What stands out is the pace of increase among younger adults, particularly in urban areas. The survey also shows that weight gain is no longer limited to affluent groups, but is spreading across income categories.Similarly, the Indian Council of Medical Research has flagged obesity as a key driver of non-communicable diseases in India, warning that rising body weight is closely linked to diabetes and cardiovascular risk.Shrinking timelineThe concern is not just how many people are overweight, but how early it begins. Traditionally, obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or hypertension were seen in middle age. That timeline is changing now. Medical institutions, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, have repeatedly flagged the growing number of young patients presenting with metabolic risk factors.The reason lies in how obesity affects the body over time. Excess fat, particularly around the abdomen, interferes with insulin function, leading to insulin resistance. This is often the first step towards type 2 diabetes.At the same time, obesity contributes to higher blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. When these conditions cluster together, they significantly increase the risk of heart disease.If these processes begin in a person’s twenties instead of their forties, the cumulative exposure to risk doubles and that is what makes early-onset obesity more dangerous. .What changed in a generation?The rise in obesity among young Indians is closely tied to changes in lifestyle. Urbanisation has reduced everyday physical activity. Walking and manual routines have been replaced by desk-based work and screen-heavy schedules. Students and young professionals now spend long hours sitting, often with limited exercise.Diet has undergone an equally sharp shift. Traditional meal patterns are increasingly replaced by processed food, frequent snacking, and irregular eating habits. High-calorie, low-fibre diets contribute directly to weight gain.Sleep disruption adds another layer. Irregular sleep cycles affect hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger. This can lead to increased calorie intake and weight gain over time.These changes are gradual, but their combined effect is dangerous. Over time, they create a sustained energy imbalance that leads to weight gain.The silent killerOne of the most important insights from the report is the link between obesity and fatty liver disease. The report shows that a large proportion of individuals screened had fatty liver, and that most of these cases were non-alcoholic in nature.Fatty liver often develops silently. Many individuals remain asymptomatic until the condition progresses.“Fatty liver disease is generally asymptomatic during its initial stages,” Dr Saggu said. “Once diagnosed, lifestyle modifications can sometimes reverse the condition and prevent further damage to the liver.”He added that early screening plays a key role. “Liver function tests and ultrasound testing are simple ways of detecting early changes,” he said, especially for those who are overweight, physically inactive, or have a family history of metabolic disease. Over time, fatty live can lead to inflammation, liver damage, and in severe cases, cirrhosis.The growing prevalence of fatty liver among younger individuals shows that obesity is already affecting internal health, not just external appearance.Early onset, longer impactThe most serious implication of rising obesity under 30 is its long-term impact. When weight-related risk begins early, it extends the duration over which the body is exposed to metabolic stress. This increases the likelihood of complications later in life.The Indian Council of Medical Research has warned that India is already seeing a high burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and that early onset will only intensify this trend.In practical terms, this could mean that a larger population requires long-term treatment, higher healthcare costs, and a younger demographic dealing with chronic illness.Can it be reversed?The advantage of early onset is that intervention can also begin early. Weight gain in the twenties is often more responsive to lifestyle changes than in later decades. Regular physical activity, balanced diets, and improved sleep patterns can significantly reduce risk if adopted consistently.Public health programmes are increasingly focusing on prevention rather than treatment. Government initiatives like the Fit India Movement, promoting fitness, dietary awareness, and routine screening, aim to address the issue before it progresses. Not only can early diagnosis help reverse the condition of fatty liver disease through lifestyle modifications, but early event detection can also substantially lower the likelihood of developing a long-term health complication resulting from fatty liver disease.Dr. Sukhvinder Singh Saggu, Director – Minimal Access, GI & Bariatric Surgery at the CK Birla Hospital®, DelhiHowever, the challenge remains behavioural. Awareness alone is not enough unless it translates into sustained lifestyle change.What next? The rise of obesity among young Indians reflects a broader transition in the country’s health profile. India is moving from a burden of infectious diseases to one dominated by lifestyle-related conditions. What makes this transition more complex is that it is happening alongside persistent issues like undernutrition. The result is a dual burden, where different sections of the population face different health risks at the same time.The Apollo report provides a snapshot, but multiple datasets back the larger trend. Obesity is rising, starting earlier, and linking more closely with chronic disease. The idea that these are problems of middle age no longer applies. For young Indians, the shift is already underway. It is time the country’s youth begin to see weight not as a cosmetic issue, but as an early warning sign of long-term health risk.About the AuthorAnushree SinhaAnushree is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of IndiaEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! 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NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta inspected the ongoing construction work at RK Ashram Marg Metro Station on Saturday, being developed under Phase 4 of the Delhi Metro project.During the visit, she also reviewed the progress with officials from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).She said the Delhi Metro is the lifeline of the national capital, with lakhs of passengers depending on it daily, and stressed the need to maintain high standards of quality, safety and timely completion in all construction work.The chief minister also discussed the pace of work, construction quality and measures being taken to improve passenger facilities at the station.She directed officials to ensure transparent execution and maintain the construction speed so that commuters face no inconvenience during the development work.Gupta said strengthening and modernising Delhi’s connectivity infrastructure in line with the city’s growing needs remains the government’s priority.She described the Metro Phase 4 expansion as an important step towards building a more developed and better-connected Delhi.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! Women’s Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Protest Erupt | ‘Women Won’t Forgive’123Photostories’The Devil Wears Prada 2’ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themLucknow-Kanpur expressway set to open: Rs 275 toll for one-way, Rs 415 for return within 24 hoursFrom rejecting the role of Jethalal in TMKOC to building a net worth of Rs 40 crore: Lesser-known facts about Ali AsgarNayanthara and Vignesh Shivan on Parenting: 6 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kids8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C DeficiencyWhy traditional Indian homes were naturally cooler and what modern designs can learn from them123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta inspected the ongoing construction work at RK Ashram Marg Metro Station on Saturday, being developed under Phase 4 of the Delhi Metro project.During the visit, she also reviewed the progress with officials from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).She said the Delhi Metro is the lifeline of the national capital, with lakhs of passengers depending on it daily, and stressed the need to maintain high standards of quality, safety and timely completion in all construction work.The chief minister also discussed the pace of work, construction quality and measures being taken to improve passenger facilities at the station.She directed officials to ensure transparent execution and maintain the construction speed so that commuters face no inconvenience during the development work.Gupta said strengthening and modernising Delhi’s connectivity infrastructure in line with the city’s growing needs remains the government’s priority.She described the Metro Phase 4 expansion as an important step towards building a more developed and better-connected Delhi.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! Women’s Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Protest Erupt | ‘Women Won’t Forgive’123Photostories’The Devil Wears Prada 2’ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themLucknow-Kanpur expressway set to open: Rs 275 toll for one-way, Rs 415 for return within 24 hoursFrom rejecting the role of Jethalal in TMKOC to building a net worth of Rs 40 crore: Lesser-known facts about Ali AsgarNayanthara and Vignesh Shivan on Parenting: 6 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kids8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C DeficiencyWhy traditional Indian homes were naturally cooler and what modern designs can learn from them123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

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