IAS/UPSC Coaching Institute  

11 Mar 2026 : Catch them young

Article 1: Catch them young

Why in news: Childhood obesity is increasing due to unhealthy diets, rising consumption of processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time, limited physical activity, poor school nutrition, and inadequate early childhood nutrition including insufficient breastfeeding.

Key Details

  • India’s childhood obesity is rising rapidly — in 2025, about 14.9 million children (5–9 yrs) and 26.4 million (10–19 yrs) were overweight or obese, with 41 million having high BMI.
  • By 2040, projections indicate 20 million obese children and 56 million overweight children in India.
  • Nearly 120 million school-age children may develop early signs of chronic diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases due to excess weight.
  • India ranks second globally in childhood obesity after China, followed by the United States.
  • Major causes include low physical activity, unhealthy food consumption, poor school nutrition, and inadequate breastfeeding, highlighting the need for strong policy interventions and early prevention.

Scale of the Problem

  • The phrase “catch them young” has taken on a troubling meaning as non-communicable diseases (NCDs)increasingly affect children and adolescents.
  • According to the World Obesity Atlas 2026, India had 14.9 million overweight or obese children aged 5–9 and 26.4 million aged 10–19 in 2025.
  • Nearly 41 million children in India were reported to have a high Body Mass Index (BMI).
  • Projections suggest that by 2040, around 20 million children will be obese and 56 million will be overweight in India.
  • About 120 million school-age children are expected to show early signs of chronic illnesses such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases due to excess weight.

Global Context

  • China ranks first globally with about 62 million children with high BMI and 33 million obese children.
  • India ranks second, highlighting the rapid rise of obesity among its youth population.
  • The United States follows with 27 million children with high BMI and 13 million obese children.
  • These numbers show that childhood obesity is no longer confined to high-income countries.
  • Low- and middle-income countries, including India, are witnessing a rapid surge in obesity rates.

Health Consequences

  • High BMI among children is linked with several serious health conditions.
  • These include hypertension, diabetes, hyperglycaemia, and high cholesterol levels.
  • Children are also increasingly developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
  • Such conditions, once associated mainly with older adults, are now emerging early in life.
  • By 2040, disease indicators related to obesity are expected to increase significantly among children aged 5–19 in India.

Key Causes and Risk Factors

  • The primary factors include insufficient physical activity and high consumption of unhealthy foods.
  • Increased intake of ultra-processed and sugary foods contributes significantly to weight gain.
  • Many children face limited access to healthy and nutritious school meals.
  • Sub-optimal breastfeeding practices for infants aged 1–5 months also play a role.
  • Broader lifestyle changes such as sedentary behaviour and screen exposure further aggravate the issue.

Needed Policy and Social Interventions

  • Experts recommend stricter regulations on marketing packaged and junk foods to children.
  • Governments should consider sugar levies and marketing restrictions on unhealthy food products.
  • Schools must ensure healthier food standards and promote regular physical activity among children.
  • Policies should support mandatory breastfeeding practices and improved early childhood nutrition.
  • Integrating obesity prevention and treatment into primary healthcare systems is essential to protect the future health of the youth population.

Conclusion

The rising childhood obesity crisis signals a major public health challenge for India. Without urgent action through healthier diets, increased physical activity, stronger food regulations, improved school nutrition, and early-life interventions, future generations may face severe non-communicable diseases. Addressing obesity early is essential to safeguard children’s health, productivity, and the nation’s long-term demographic and economic potential.

 

Descriptive question:

Q. Childhood obesity is emerging as a major public health challenge in India. Discuss the causes, consequences, and measures needed to address the rising trend of obesity among children. (10 marks, 150 words)