From Junk Food To Heart Risk, Why Children Are Falling Sick So Early

News18

30-06-2025

Last Updated:
The shift to calorie-dense, nutrient-poor diets has fuelled early obesity, insulin resistance, and rising diabetes risk in kids.
Once considered 'grown-up problems', heart disease and diabetes are now affecting children, and that is alarming. Changing lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, increased screen time, and even genetics are putting children at risk far earlier than expected.
In this article, we unpack what's driving this disturbing trend, how common it really is, and what parents, schools, and communities can do to help prevent it.
Are Children Growing Up Sick These Days?
Yes, India ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of overweight and obese children, contributing significantly to the global burden of obesity-related diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) report published in xxx.
The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) 2019 shows that 10–15% of children in the country aged 5 to 19 years are either overweight or obese—with the number soaring to 29% in urban private schools.
This isn't just about weight; deeper issues are emerging beneath the surface. Early signs of type 2 diabetes are now being detected in adolescents, with studies suggesting that 1–2% of urban teens show impaired glucose tolerance, a precursor to full-blown diabetes.
According to the WHO, Type 2 diabetes affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. It stops the body from using insulin properly, which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated.
Cardiovascular risk markers are also on the rise: nearly 5% of children in the same age group have been found to have hypertension, while around 10% exhibit abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
What's Making Our Children Unhealthy?
Excess body fat, especially visceral fat, increases insulin resistance and elevates blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Spending more time on screens and less on physical activity makes the problem worse.
The ICMR's 2019 Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) revealed that only 44% of Indian children aged 10-19 engage in adequate physical activity (at least 60 minutes daily).
Urban children, in particular, spend more time on smartphones, gaming consoles, or studying, leaving little room for outdoor play or exercise.
Unhealthy Diet
Indian diets have shifted dramatically over the past few decades. Traditional whole-grain and vegetable-based diets are being replaced by processed foods high in sugar, salt, and trans fats.
A 2022 study in the 'Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care' noted that Indian children consume an average of 15-20% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods like sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and fast food.
These dietary patterns contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels), which are precursors to heart disease and diabetes.
The consumption of sugary beverages is particularly alarming. A 2023 report by the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) found that children in urban India consume sugary drinks 3-4 times per week on average, significantly increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes.
Genetic And Familial Predisposition
South Asians, including Indians, have a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases, as noted in a 2018 study published in 'Nature Reviews Endocrinology.'
Children with a family history of diabetes or heart disease are at higher risk, especially if lifestyle factors amplify this predisposition.
The ICMR's 2020 report highlighted that children with a family history of lifestyle diseases should be screened early, as genetic risks can show up as early as their teenage years.
How Urban Life Is Quietly Making Indian Children Sicker?
India's booming cities may be symbols of progress, but for children growing up in them, they're increasingly becoming hotspots of poor health. Urbanisation, air pollution, and widening economic gaps are now key contributors to the rising risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Indian children.
A 2021 study published in 'The Lancet Planetary Health' made a troubling connection: exposure to air pollution in Indian cities is directly linked to increased cardiovascular risk in children.
How? Pollutants like PM2.5 trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, both early warning signs for heart disease. And this isn't a small problem; 98% of Indian children live in areas where air pollution exceeds WHO's safe limits for PM2.5.
Cities such as Delhi, Kanpur, and Patna consistently record annual PM2.5 levels of 80 to 100 µg/m³, far higher than the WHO's recommended cap of 10 µg/m³. In other words, children in these cities are breathing in air that's 8 to 10 times more toxic than what's considered safe.
Nutrition Gap: Too Much For Some, Too Little For Others
Health risks aren't just in the air, they are on the plate too. Urban life has radically changed how Indian children eat and move.
A 2022 study in the 'Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care' found that urban children consume 20–25% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods like burgers, instant noodles, chips, and sugary drinks.
In rural areas, that number is lower, at 10–15%, but rising. This shift to calorie-dense, nutrient-poor diets has fuelled early obesity, insulin resistance, and rising diabetes risk in kids.
And it's not just what they eat, it is also what they don't do. According to The Lancet Planetary Health study, 70% of urban Indian children don't have access to safe playgrounds or parks, leading to sedentary lifestyles. With fewer green spaces and more screen time, active play has taken a backseat.
Children from higher-income urban families are at risk of overnutrition. The 2019 CNNS report by ICMR found that 29% of students in urban private schools (mostly from affluent backgrounds) were overweight or obese, compared to just 10% in government schools.
On the flip side, children from low-income and rural households often face undernutrition in early years, which sets them up for future problems.
A 2021 study in 'The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health' found that undernourished children who experience rapid weight gain during adolescence (common in India's transitioning economy) are 20–30% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life due to impaired insulin sensitivity.
Raising Healthy Kids: What Every Parent Should Know
Parents should be vigilant for signs that their child may be at risk. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and Indian Paediatric Association guidelines, key indicators include:
Excess weight or obesity: A body mass index (BMI) above the 85th percentile for age and sex.
Fatigue or low energy: May indicate poor cardiovascular health or early insulin resistance.
Acanthosis nigricans: Dark, velvety patches on the skin (often on the neck or armpits), a marker of insulin resistance.
Frequent thirst or urination: Early signs of type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure or cholesterol: Often detected during routine paediatric check-ups.
If these signs are present, consult a paediatrician for screening tests such as fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, or lipid profiles.
Preventing these lifestyle diseases in children isn't about one big fix, it takes a mix of smart, everyday choices. Here are some proven, practical strategies that really work.
Promote A Balanced Diet: Encourage traditional Indian foods like whole grains (millets, brown rice), pulses, vegetables, and fruits.
A 2021 PHFI report emphasised that diets rich in fibre and low in refined sugars reduce diabetes risk by 20-30%.
Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and trans fats. Replace packaged snacks with healthier options like roasted makhanas, nuts, or fruit.
Control portion sizes and avoid forcing children to 'finish their plate," which can lead to overeating.
Encourage Physical Activity
Ensure children get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, as recommended by WHO. Activities like cycling, swimming, or traditional games (e.g., kho-kho, kabaddi) are excellent options.
Limit screen time to 2 hours per day, as advised by the AAP. Encourage outdoor play or sports to replace sedentary habits.
Regular Health Check-Ups
Schedule annual paediatric check-ups to monitor BMI, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics recommends screening for lipid profiles and glucose levels in children with risk factors (e.g., obesity, family history) starting at age 10.
Early detection of prediabetes or dyslipidaemia can prevent progression to full-blown diseases.
Foster Healthy Habits At Home
Be a role model. A 2019 study in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children are more likely to adopt healthy behaviours if parents demonstrate them.
Create a supportive environment by stocking healthy foods and engaging in family activities like walks or yoga.
Raise Awareness And Educate
Educate children about the importance of healthy living. Schools can play a role by incorporating nutrition and physical education into curricula, as recommended by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's 2020 guidelines on NCD prevention.
Schools are critical in combating childhood NCDs. The CBSE and ICSE boards have introduced health and wellness programs, but implementation varies.
A 2022 PHFI report urged schools to ban sugary drinks and junk food in canteens and promote physical education.
Community initiatives, such as local sports clubs or awareness campaigns, can also encourage healthier lifestyles.
Government And Policy Efforts
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The Indian government has taken steps to address NCDs in children. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), launched by the Ministry of Health, includes screening and awareness for adolescents.
The 2020 Fit India Movement also promotes physical activity among schoolchildren. However, experts argue that more targeted policies, such as taxes on sugary drinks or stricter regulations on junk food advertising, are needed to curb the epidemic.
tags :
children health diabetes heart diseases
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 30, 2025, 17:13 IST
News zip From Junk Food To Heart Risk, Why Children Are Falling Sick So Early