Opinion | Childhood Obesity: The Silent Health Crisis Growing Around Us

Not long ago, childhood in India was closely associated with outdoor games, cycling, walking to school, climbing trees, and spending evenings at the playgrounds. Children returned home tired, dusty, and energetic after hours of physical activity. Food was largely prepared at home, and meals often consisted of fresh vegetables, pulses, grains, and seasonal fruits.

Today, the picture is changing rapidly. A child can spend several hours a day using a smartphone, watching videos, playing online games, or scrolling through social media. At the same time, processed snacks and sugary drinks have become easily available. These lifestyle changes may appear harmless at first glance, but health experts warn that they are contributing to a growing problem is childhood obesity.

The issue is no longer confined to a few urban centres. Doctors, teachers, and parents are increasingly noticing weight-related concerns among children in towns and villages as well. What makes the situation worrying is that obesity during childhood often continues into adulthood, increasing the risk of several serious health conditions later in life.

According to research published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health (2019), approximately 81 per cent of adolescents worldwide do not achieve the recommended levels of daily physical activity. This finding reflects a broader global trend in which young people are becoming less active than previous generations. Physical activity is not merely about maintaining weight; it is essential for healthy bones, muscles, heart function, and mental well-being.

The cause of such a decline is simple to observe. Those children who used to spend hours outside now spend all their spare time on the screen. There is no time left for games due to schoolwork, coaching lessons, and other obligations of an academic nature. Moreover, in many cases, the places where children can play have become rare.

Another important factor is the changing food environment. Modern lifestyles often encourage greater dependence on convenience foods. Processed snacks, fast foods, drinks loaded with sugar, and ready-to-eat meals have become a regular part of many children’s diets. These foods are widely advertised and easily available.

According to a 2022 study reported in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the consumption of ultra-processed foods raises the risk of obesity and other metabolic disorders. Ultra-processed foods are characterized by a high presence of calories but lack proper nutritional value. Their constant intake and lack of exercise are some of the main causes of obesity.

Evidence of the rising trend in youth obesity can be seen in various studies. According to the WHO and studies published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, about one in five teenagers in India is obese. Though all children are unique and statistics may not capture everything, this shows that something needs to be done about it.

This issue is becoming increasingly evident in Jammu & Kashmir too. While the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6, 2023-24) does not include any separate data for obesity among school-going children in this UT, school-based surveys undertaken in J&K have found that nearly 8% to 15% of the children are overweight, whereas about 3% to 8% are obese. Higher figures have been reported from urban and comparatively wealthier families. According to health experts, increased screen time, dietary changes, reduced exercise, and long winters that limit outdoor activity are causing this problem.

Though many believe obesity to be simply an aesthetic problem, medical professionals have made it clear that this is far from true. Obesity can affect nearly every organ system in the body. For example, children with obesity are at higher risk for contracting Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, arthritis, and hormone-related issues. Some ailments that used to affect only adults are now being seen in younger generations.

The psychological effects of being overweight cannot be ignored either. After all, childhood is when a sense of self-respect and self-confidence is formed. Overweight children can be teased by their friends or other people around them. This can have a serious effect on their psychological well-being, education, and general quality of life.

Research published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) has shown that childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of premature mortality and chronic diseases later in life. This study illustrates the necessity of preventive measures instead of waiting for the development of serious illnesses.

It would be unfair to place the blame solely on Children. The surroundings they operate in have a huge impact on their behaviour. For example, advertisements for products containing excessive sugar, sodium, and fat content are common. Entertainment via screen media can be obtained round-the-clock. Kids do not get time to exercise owing to hectic academic schedules. Furthermore, parents are not always able to supervise each activity of their kids due to other responsibilities.

Sleep is another factor that receives less attention than it deserves. Many children stay awake late into the night using electronic devices. Insufficient sleep can affect hormones that regulate hunger and appetite, potentially encouraging overeating. Over time, poor sleep habits can become another piece of the obesity puzzle.

The positive aspect of this issue is that it is possible to prevent it. As a matter of fact, experts believe that starvation and rigorous dietary regimes are never the solution. The emphasis should rather be put on fostering good habits that kids will stick to for years to come.

Steps towards a healthier family can start small. Allowing children to go out and play, avoiding too much time in front of screens, and incorporating exercise into daily life can make a difference. It is easy enough for families to take a walk together after dinner, play some cricket in the neighbourhood, or even cycle on the weekends.

Food choices also matter. Home-cooked meals prepared with fresh ingredients can provide balanced nutrition. Fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, milk, eggs, and other nutrient-rich foods support healthy growth. Reducing the frequency of sugary drinks and highly processed snacks can further improve dietary quality.

School also plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. Physical education should not be treated as an optional activity, but it is meant to be considered an integral part of the child’s growth process. The school can promote physical activities, awareness programs, and healthier food environments.

According to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. While this target may sound demanding, it can be achieved through a combination of sports, active play, walking, running, cycling, and other enjoyable activities.

Obesity among children is not something that can be overcome immediately. It has evolved due to the change in lifestyle, technology, and diet. Overcoming this problem needs joint efforts from the parents, schools, health specialists, communities, and government officials. Most importantly, overcoming this problem demands recognition that healthy behaviours cultivated in childhood often shape health outcomes later in life.

The discussion should not be about physical appearances or body image issues. It should rather be about how to promote good health among the children so that they develop into healthy adults in the future. Through proper nutrition, exercise, and good sleep habits, society can make progress in ensuring the health of the next generation.

Sources: Lancet Child & Adolescent Health (2019); World Health Organization (WHO); Indian Journal of Endocrinology (2020); The BMJ Meta-analysis (2022); JAMA (2020); CDC Physical Activity Guidelines.

Regional Data Source: National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6, 2023-24)

The Author is a writer, social educator and researcher from Baramulla, holds a master’s in Gender Studies and a BED.

shoaibhat2018@gmail.com