Childhood obesity on rise: 6 effective ways to tackle junk food addiction in kids

Junk food has taken over the daily diet of children like never before contributing to the growing epidemic of obesity that’s making the little ones susceptible to heart diseases, diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor bone health, later in life.

The popularity of ultra-processed foods has been on rise from the past few decades and can be one of the primary reasons why children are accumulating more fat in their bodies. Be it burger and pizza or the seemingly harmless packet of potato chips or chocolate cookies, many such high-calorie, sugary and fatty foods are becoming comfort foods for children who also spend long hours glued to mobile screens and leading an inactive lifestyle. ( World Obesity Day 2024: Healthy habits for kids to prevent childhood obesity)

A new analysis published in medical journal The Lancet shows the global rate of obesity has quadrupled in children and doubled in adults since 1990. Obesity may affect the normal body metabolism and can lead to many health complications. Several forms of malnourishment are on rise and junk foods with little nourishment are doing more damage to our body andmind than we ever thought.

Dr Amit P Ghawade, Consultant- Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Mumbai in an interview with HT Digital says that it’s not just the high calories in these foods that is becoming a menace but also the harmful additives and preservatives found in processed foods that increase the risk of obesity in children. Due to the high-paced lifestyle, many offer these foods to their children as it’s a convenient choice at times. However, it can take a huge toll on their overall health and well-being.

The problem with junk food

“Consumption of junk food can cause early onset of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, kidney and liver problems, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer later in life.