Experts say a mix of poor nutrition, screen time, and lack of outdoor play is taking its toll on children.
Five and six year old kids are supposed to be running around playgrounds, not visiting doctors with symptoms of obesity, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. Yet, more children are showing up in clinics with conditions once seen only in adults.
Together, these cases point to a wider concern:
lifestyle-related health problems are becoming more concern in children, often linked to misconception in children, often linked to misconceptions about diet and nutrition among parents.
SCREENS AND SNACKS:
“We see kids as young as five and six with obesity and diabetes. Earlier, kids would be outdoors for at least a few hours a day. Now, they spend that time in front of screens, snacking mostly on packaged foods high in salt and sugar that are prime culprits for obesity and other lifestyle diseases at a much younger age.”
PARENTS AND PEER FACTOR:
“Parents today don’t have enough time to supervise the child’s overall development. There’s also a lack of understanding about complementary feeding, especially after six months. At that age, nutrition other than milk is crucial for growth and makes a big difference. Earlier, complimentary feeds were mostly homemade. Now people resort to processed food without bothering about quality.”
Peer influence also plays a role. “During the first four years, the child is active. But once they start school, peer influence makes them consume junk and packaged food.”
According to him, deficiencies are now common in children. “Iron deficiency is very common, more than many parents realize. Most multivitamin syrups don’t contain enough iron, and kids, especially those on vegetarians diets, don’t get enough iron and vitamin B12 from food.
Vitamin D levels are also low despite supplements. Those with low zinc intake feel fatigued easily and frequently fall sick.”
MATERNAL NUTRITION IMPACT:
Lifestyle is only part of the picture; metabolism, stress, and maternal nutrition during pregnancy also affects a child’s health. “Indian babies are the smallest in the world, around 2.7 kg, compared to 3.5 kg for an average UK baby.”
“Poor intrauterine growth leads to future risk of diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, mental disorders and other conditions.”
“In mothers who develop gestational diabetes, babies get an excess supply of glucose which raises risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases as the child grows.”
STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE:
Doctors emphasize that a balanced diet and exercise is key.
Extremes at both ends of t he dietary spectrum are harming children. “On one side, we see parents giving their kids processed foods, while on the other, some people force their kids to follow fad diets meant strictly for adults. Such diets reduce carb and fat intake, whereas a good balance of carbs, protein and fat is vital for the growing years. If you do away with carbs, kid’s energy levels drop.”
“Make regular meals healthier instead. If your child is craving something indulgent, don’t deny it. Just balance it with a generous topping of vegetables or pair it with a salad or soup. Simple tweaks will ensure both taste and nutrition.”
BUILDING GOOD HABITS:
Parents should make a conscious effort to instill healthy eating habits early. “We often have parents asking why their child isn’t gaining weight, not eating properly, or is fixated on specific foods like biscuits or noodles.. The root cause often lies with parents as they are the ones who introduce these foods to the child. When it’s suddenly withdrawn, it creates confusion for the kids, who wonder why they are no longer getting the foods they enjoy. It’s important to treat such foods only as occasional treats.”
Proper nutrition, outdoor activities, communication, and social interaction all play a vital role in a child’s overall well-being. “These are the first steps towards ensuring a healthy child and a healthier adult in future.”
WHAT PUTS THEM AT TYPE 2 DIABETES RISK?
- Excess weight — Extra fatty tissue (especially around the abdomen) makes the body’s cells more resistant to insulin.
- Poor diet, exercise — Inactive lifestyles, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
- Family history — Parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes.
- Race or ethinicity — South Asians, few other groups genetically more prone.
- Age and sex: Disease often appears in early adolescence, though it can occur of any age. More common among girls.
- Maternal health, pre-term birth — Kid at rik if mother had gestational diabetes. Babies born underweight or pre-term (39-42 weeks) vulnerable.
