A piping hot paratha soaked in butter or a pizza loaded with extra cheese feels like harmless comfort food to many Indians. These combinations are deeply ingrained in everyday eating habits from breakfast tables to late-night cravings. But doctors are now warning that such popular food pairings may be silently pushing India toward a serious health crisis, turning the country into a growing hub for diabetes and fatty liver disease.
According to senior doctors from Apollo Hospitals, the problem isn’t one single food item but the way certain foods are combined. Refined carbohydrates paired with high saturated fat create a metabolic overload for the body. When eaten together and frequently, these combinations spike blood sugar levels while simultaneously promoting fat storage in the liver.
Why these food combinations are risky
Paratha made from refined flour or polished wheat already raises blood glucose levels quickly. When topped with generous amounts of butter, it adds saturated fat that slows digestion but increases insulin resistance. Over time, this forces the pancreas to work harder, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Similarly, pizza combines refined flour bases with processed cheese and often fatty meats. This high-carb, high-fat mix is especially dangerous when consumed regularly, as it encourages fat accumulation in the liver even in people who do not consume alcohol. Doctors note that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is now being diagnosed in younger Indians, including people in their 20s and 30s.
India’s growing lifestyle disease burden
Health experts point out that India’s genetic predisposition to insulin resistance makes these dietary habits even more harmful. Sedentary lifestyles, irregular meal timings and stress further worsen the impact. The result is a sharp rise in obesity, pre-diabetes, diabetes and liver disorders across urban and semi-urban populations.
What makes the situation alarming is that many people affected do not look visibly unhealthy. Fatty liver and insulin resistance can develop silently, showing symptoms only at advanced stages. Doctors are increasingly finding such conditions during routine health check-ups.
What can be done without giving up taste
Experts stress that the solution is not to completely eliminate favourite foods, but to change frequency, portion size and pairing. Choosing whole wheat over refined flour, reducing butter and cheese quantities, adding fibre-rich vegetables, and balancing meals with protein can significantly lower risk. Reserving indulgent combinations for occasional treats rather than daily meals is key.
A wake-up call, not a food ban
The warning from doctors is less about fear and more about awareness. Traditional foods and modern favourites can coexist with good health but only when eaten mindfully. As lifestyle diseases rise faster than ever, India’s relationship with food may need a reset, before comfort turns into long-term damage.