Childhood Obesity Soars 127% in India: Lunchboxes and Screens Blamed
Lifestyle
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Moneycontrol•27-01-2026, 14:02
Childhood Obesity Soars 127% in India: Lunchboxes and Screens Blamed
- •Childhood obesity in India has surged by over 127% in the last 15 years, affecting 17 million children, projected to reach 27 million by 2030.
- •Dr. Taher Abbas Mithi, a bariatric surgeon at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, attributes the rise to unhealthy eating habits (packaged snacks, sugary drinks) and reduced physical activity due to increased screen time.
- •Cultural practices, such as excessive eating during pregnancy and rich foods for infants, also contribute to early obesity.
- •Parents are advised to prioritize outdoor play, replace packaged snacks with healthy alternatives, limit screen time, ensure adequate sleep, and lead by example.
- •The expert warns that by the time medical issues appear, the damage from obesity has often already begun.
Why It Matters: Childhood obesity in India is rapidly increasing due to poor diet, lack of activity, and cultural habits.
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