How ‘pot belly’ went from status symbol to silent killer

The Indian pot belly – once a badge of prosperity, indulgence and aging respectability – has long been a target of satire and social commentary.

In literature, it quietly signalled comfort or complacency; in films, it became a shorthand for the lazy official, gluttonous uncle, or a corrupt policeman. Cartoons exaggerated it to mock politicians. In rural settings, it was once considered a status symbol – a sign that “this man eats well”.

But what was once dismissed or even celebrated is now raising alarm bells. The obesity crisis in India is ballooning – and the seemingly harmless pot belly may be a far bigger villain than we think.

India had the second-highest number of overweight or obese adults in 2021, with 180 million affected – behind only China. A new Lancet study warns this number could soar to 450…