Unregulated consumption of junk sees a rise in childhood obesity
Data gathered through this initiative taken-up by Founder and Chairman, AIG Hospitals, Dr G Nageshwar Reddy, highlighted that just like children in urban areas, even childhood obesity is on the rise in rural regions.
Hyderabad: Children in both urban centres and rural areas have unchecked and unregulated access to fast food and ultra-processed food items. Unbridled access to such junk food items leads to childhood obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a very young age.
A recent rural outreach program conducted by city-based Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Hyderabad, showed children were increasingly consuming fast food and ultra-processed food items. This alarming trend is not just confined to urban cities, where children are exposed to junk food everywhere, including schools. Even children in rural areas have free access to ultra-processed food items.
Data gathered through this initiative taken-up by Founder and Chairman, AIG Hospitals, Dr G Nageshwar Reddy, highlighted that just like children in urban areas, even childhood obesity is on the rise in rural regions.
“This is primarily because fast food and ultra-processed food items have made their way into villages as well. Fast foods and processed items are not only nutrient-poor but also profoundly disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome in children. Moreover, the habit of consuming fast food, especially in children, causes a number of health issues, including inflammation and an increased risk of developing insulin resistance due to elevated Body Mass Index (BMI). Insulin resistance at a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” Dr Nageshwar Reddy told ‘Telangana Today’.
The top gastroenterologist pointed out that talking about the present crisis and spreading awareness among all the stakeholders is the only way to fight this major impending crisis.
Ultra-processed food items are nothing but food items laden with additives, preservatives, flavorings and other substances that are high on fat, sugar and salt, the three agents that are known to be behind diabetes, heart ailments and hypertension.
“We should emphasize the need to educate families about the importance of balanced, whole-food-based diets avoiding any kind of ultra processed food and excess of refined sugar to safeguard the health of our younger generation. The onus is on parents, educators, and policymakers to curb this trend and promote healthier dietary practices, ensuring that our children can lead healthier, happier lives,” Dr Nageshwar Reddy added.
• Children in urban and rural regions have unchecked access to junk food/ ultra processed food items
• Fast foods/ processed items are nutrient-poor and profoundly disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome in children.
• Children consuming junk food will have increased risk of developing insulin resistance
• They have elevated high Body Mass Index (BMI)
• They have lifetime of metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes and heart ailments
• Parents, educators and policy makers must curb trend of consuming ultra-processed food
