‘Irregular eating patterns, skipping of meals contribute to health issues among adolescents'

Indian Express

11-06-2025

With the theme of World Health Day being 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures', Dr Sonia Gandhi, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, says that poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle are the leading causes of rising NCDs (non-communicable diseases) among children and adolescents. Gandhi said that children with poor eating habits often fail to receive the essential nutrients required for their healthy growth and development.
'In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in health problems among young people, largely attributed to unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Research highlights that these factors significantly contribute to obesity, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), cardiovascular diseases, insulin sensitivity, compromised gut health, weak immune system, metabolic disorders, allergy reactions, and poor overall physical and mental health. These diseases occur due to a lot of essential deficiencies and excess intake of empty calories, harmful additives and chemicals,' she said.
Gandhi added, 'Children with poor eating habits don't get the amounts of nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. This can lead to being underweight or overweight. Children who are poorly nourished tend to have weaker immune systems, which increases their chances of illness also'.
Highlighting dietary trends among young people, the dietician pointed out the increasing intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and nutrient-poor meals. 'The lack of a balanced, varied diet — rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats — has a direct impact on children's health. Irregular eating patterns and frequent meal skipping also contribute to obesity and other health issues among adolescents,' she added.
Gandhi also raised concerns about the rapid increase in screen time, adding that excessive use of televisions, computers, and smartphones has been linked not only to inactivity but also to poor dietary behaviours. These include mindless snacking, overeating, and a reduced intake of nutritious food. Research has shown that prolonged sedentary behaviour contributes to weight gain and increases the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases, even when dietary intake is controlled.
Several socio-environmental factors contribute to these unhealthy trends, according to Gandhi, and these include academic pressure, popularity of online food delivery platforms, persuasive advertising of junk food, limited access to safe recreational spaces, and shifting taste preferences. 'Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. From building child-friendly environments and reducing screen exposure to promoting physical activity and nutrition education, each step is crucial. It's time for parents, educators, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to work together to promote healthier lifestyles among our youth'.
Gandhi reiterated the importance of early lifestyle interventions, emphasising that encouraging nutritious eating habits, regular physical activity and mindful living from a young age can transform health trajectories and ensure better outcomes for the next generation,' she said.
To raise awareness among youth about the importance of healthy living and preventing non-communicable diseases through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), New Chandigarh, is reaching out to school students across Chandigarh, as part of the programme, 'Swasth Navyuva Swasth Bharat'.
Having reached out to more than 200 schools and over 20,000 students, Dr Vandita Pahwa, head, Department of Preventive Oncology, HBCHRC, says the major focus includes prevention of chronic diseases, awareness of habits to enhance a healthy lifestyle for children, positive mental health, addiction prevention, importance of physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle. Breaking the tobacco trap, alcohol awareness, a balanced diet, active living, and menstrual hygiene are some of the central points of the initiative.
Pahwa emphasises that overweight and obesity are major risk factors for many cancer types and account for much of the impact of diet. A dietary pattern that focuses on abundant intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains rather than refined grains, and low intake of red meat and processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and salt will reduce the risk of cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and overall mortality, she says.
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains are naturally rich in vitamins, phytochemicals, and dietary fibre — constituents that are thought to inhibit carcinogenesis (the initiation of cancer). Data from the previous three years from the PGIMER shows that 13-15 per cent of women who suffered from cardiovascular diseases were less than 50 years of age. A recent study, as highlighted by Dr Neelam Dahiya, assistant professor, Department of Cardiology, PGIMER, suggests 44 per cent of women who suffered cardiovascular disease were obese and only one per cent of them had adequate fruits and vegetables intake in their daily diet.