🧬 Anti-Ageing, Ayurveda & Alarming Gaps: The Untold Truth of India’s Wellness Boom
by Suryavanshi IAS
Context that UPSC Cares About
The unfortunate demise of 42-year-old actress Shefali Jariwala has once again spotlighted the unregulated, fast-expanding anti-ageing and herbal supplement industry in India. Behind glossy labels and Instagram reels, lies a deeper issue – one of public health policy, regulatory failure, and ethical advertising.
Why This Matters for Aspirants
Think GS Paper 2 – Governance & Health Regulation
Think GS Paper 4 – Ethics in Healthcare Marketing
Think Essay – "Wellness Without Wisdom: Are We Trading Health for Hype?"
Understanding the Market Surge
India’s anti-ageing and herbal wellness industry is projected to grow at 12.10% CAGR till 2034. But this boom isn't just about beauty; it's about how youth in their 20s are now consuming hormone-balancing teas, detox powders, and fat-burning gummies—without clinical oversight.
Key Products in the Market:
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Skin-glow powders
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Hair-regrowth capsules
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Fizzing detox drinks
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Weight-loss gummies
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Hormone balance pills
These are sold under the ‘natural’ or ‘Ayurvedic’ tag, creating a false sense of safety among consumers.
Silent Dangers Behind “Natural”
Most people forget:
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“Natural” ≠ “Safe”
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“Herbal” ≠ “Harmless”
Doctors rightly warn:
“Biochemical signals act on the body regardless of their source. These supplements can disrupt hormones, burden the liver/kidneys, and trigger undiagnosed conditions.”
Fasting + Supplements = A Risky Equation
In Shefali’s case, long fasting, unregulated drug use, and metabolic complications are being examined. According to Aravind Badiger (BDR Pharmaceuticals):
Fasting affects:
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Electrolyte balance
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Glucose levels
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Drug metabolism
Without expert supervision, even “healthy” regimes can become lethal.
Busting Myths on Aesthetic Injections
There’s no proven link between anti-ageing injections (like Botox or dermal fillers) and fatality, says Dr. Viral Desai.
They are clinically approved, widely used, and safe when done right.
Problem? Untrained hands, fake products, and zero consumer awareness.
Regulation: The Missing Backbone
Despite the boom, India lacks:
🚫Strict ingredient screening
🚫 Quality checks on herbal products
🚫 Regulation of misleading ads
🚫 Oversight on influencers pushing pseudo-scientific cures
The FSSAI and AYUSH Ministry need to step up—not just as regulators but as public health defenders.
UPSC Answer Writing Angle
GS Paper 2 – Discuss the need for stronger regulatory mechanisms in the nutraceuticals sector in India.
GS Paper 4 – Is it ethical for companies to market untested wellness products as “natural” or “safe”? Justify.
Essay Topics Practice:
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“Health is not a commodity”
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“Wellness in the age of misinformation”
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“Traditional knowledge and modern responsibility”
✅ What Can Be Done?
Policy Suggestions for Mains:
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Create a Nutraceutical Regulation Authority (NRA) under MoHFW
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Mandatory clinical testing and ingredient disclosures
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Ban on false wellness claims in ads
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Influencer accountability under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA)
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National awareness campaigns on supplement misuse
Final Thoughts from Suryavanshi IAS
UPSC isn’t just about books – it’s about building a critical mind that can see truth beyond trends. As future administrators, we must question:
Are we becoming a nation of pills and powders, or are we moving toward informed well-being?
📌 Stay informed. Stay analytical. Because UPSC isn’t just a test of memory—it’s a test of maturity.
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