On World Health Day, themed “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, medical experts are sounding the alarm over a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among children and adolescents, linking it to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles.
Dr. Sonia Gandhi, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, emphasized that unhealthy eating patterns deprive children of essential nutrients, hindering their growth and weakening their immune systems. She warned that these deficiencies, coupled with excess consumption of empty calories and harmful additives, are fueling a surge in obesity, cardiovascular disease, PCOD, metabolic disorders, allergies, poor gut health, and mental health issues.
Gandhi noted a troubling shift in dietary habits, with processed foods, sugary beverages, and nutrient-poor meals becoming the norm. She pointed out that irregular eating and meal skipping are also contributing to the obesity crisis among teenagers. Additionally, increased screen time has led to reduced physical activity and unhealthy snacking, further exacerbating weight gain and metabolic risks.
Environmental and social factors are compounding the issue. Gandhi cited academic pressure, the popularity of food delivery apps, aggressive junk food marketing, and a lack of safe recreational spaces as major barriers to healthy living. She stressed the need for a coordinated effort by parents, educators, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to create supportive environments that encourage physical activity, reduce screen exposure, and promote balanced nutrition from an early age.
In a parallel effort to promote healthy habits among youth, the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) in New Chandigarh is conducting outreach under the programme ‘Swasth Navyuva Swasth Bharat’. Dr. Vandita Pahwa, Head of Preventive Oncology at HBCHRC, said the initiative has already reached more than 200 schools and over 20,000 students, focusing on chronic disease prevention, mental health awareness, addiction avoidance, physical activity, and menstrual hygiene.
Pahwa highlighted that obesity is a major risk factor for several cancers and other chronic conditions. She advocated for diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, and low in red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and excess salt. Such a diet, she said, significantly lowers the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and premature death.
Supporting this, Dr. Neelam Dahiya, Assistant Professor of Cardiology at PGIMER, referenced recent data showing that 13–15% of women under 50 suffer from cardiovascular disease. A related study found that 44% of women affected were obese, and only 1% had sufficient fruit and vegetable intake — a stark indicator of the health cost of poor diets.
Together, the experts underline an urgent need for early lifestyle interventions to ensure healthier futures for today’s youth.
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