Health and Me

Ishita Roy

How Is Today's Lifestyle Impacting Childhood Obesity in India? An Expert Explains

<span>Childhood obesity</span> is rapidly emerging as one of the most serious public health concerns across the world, and in India too. Once considered a problem limited to adults, excess weight is now affecting children at younger ages and increasing their risk of chronic diseases early in life.

According to The World Obesity Atlas 2024 by the<strong> World Obesity Federation</strong>, India ranks second globally in the number of children living with overweight and obesity, just behind China. The report estimates that out of 56 million children affected in the country, around 20 million are likely to be obese, while the rest are expected to fall in the overweight category.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/childhood-obesity-in-india-to-surge-to-56-million-by-2040-says-global-report-article-153744508" data-type="tilCustomLink">Childhood Obesity In India To Surge To 56 Million By 2040, Says Global Report</a>

The situation is not limited to India. Globally, the number of children aged 5 to 19 years living with overweight or obesity is projected to reach 507 million by 2040, rising sharply from 419 million in 2025.

Experts say the rise is closely linked to how children eat, move, and spend their time today.

<h2>Childhood Obesity Is More Than A Cosmetic Issue</h2>

Dr Ruchi Golash, Pediatrician at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, explains that childhood obesity goes far beyond appearance and can have long-term health consequences.

“Excess weight in childhood is not just a cosmetic concern. It significantly increases the risk of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and early heart problems,” she says.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/1-in-every-8-school-going-children-is-obese-in-kolkata-study-article-153758947/amp" data-type="tilCustomLink">1 In Every 8 School-going Children Is Obese In Kolkata: Study</a>

Children who develop obesity early in life are also more likely to remain obese as adults if the issue is not addressed in time. This makes early prevention and lifestyle changes especially important.

<h2>The Role Of Excessive Screen Time</h2>

One of the biggest lifestyle changes affecting children today is the rise in screen time. From online classes and gaming to streaming videos, children are spending several hours each day in front of screens.

Dr Golash notes that this shift is contributing significantly to weight gain.

“Prolonged screen use reduces physical activity, disrupts sleep patterns and often encourages mindless snacking,” she explains.

Exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, can also interfere with hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. As a result, children may feel hungrier and eat more than their bodies need.

<h2>Ultra-Processed Foods Are Becoming The Norm</h2>

Another major factor behind rising childhood obesity is the shift in dietary habits.

Ultra-processed foods such as packaged snacks, sugary beverages, instant noodles and bakery products have become widely available and heavily marketed to children. While convenient and appealing, these foods are typically high in calories, sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.

“They are low in fibre and essential nutrients, which means children consume a lot of energy without getting adequate nutrition,” Dr Golash says.

Regular consumption of these foods can lead to rapid weight gain, insulin resistance and early metabolic problems, increasing the risk of long-term health complications.

<h2>Decline In Outdoor Play And Physical Activity</h2>

Sedentary lifestyles are another key contributor. Compared to previous generations, children today spend far less time playing outdoors.

Academic pressure, safety concerns and the lure of digital entertainment have gradually replaced active play with more sedentary activities.

“Even children who do not overeat can gain weight if they are not physically active enough,” Dr Golash explains. Reduced muscle activity slows down metabolism and allows fat to accumulate more easily in the body.

<h2>What Parents Can Do To Prevent Childhood Obesity</h2>

Experts say parents play a central role in preventing childhood obesity and helping children build healthier habits.

Dr Golash advises families to start with simple lifestyle changes such as limiting daily screen time, encouraging outdoor play and prioritizing home-cooked meals.

“Setting reasonable screen-time limits, promoting daily physical activity and reducing sugary drinks can make a significant difference in a child’s overall health,” she says.

She also emphasizes that conversations about weight should focus on healthy habits rather than appearance.

Early and supportive interventions, she adds, can help reverse unhealthy weight gain and protect a child’s long-term heart and metabolic health.

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Childhood obesity is rapidly emerging as one of the most serious public health concerns across the world, and in India too. Once considered a problem limited to adults, excess weight is now affecting children at younger ages and increasing their risk of chronic diseases early in life.According to The World Obesity Atlas 2024 by the World Obesity Federation, India ranks second globally in the number of children living with overweight and obesity, just behind China. The report estimates that out of 56 million children affected in the country, around 20 million are likely to be obese, while the rest are expected to fall in the overweight category.Read: Childhood Obesity In India To Surge To 56 Million By 2040, Says Global ReportThe situation is not limited to India. Globally, the number of children aged 5 to 19 years living with overweight or obesity is projected to reach 507 million by 2040, rising sharply from 419 million in 2025.Experts say the rise is closely linked to how children eat, move, and spend their time today.Childhood Obesity Is More Than A Cosmetic IssueDr Ruchi Golash, Pediatrician at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, explains that childhood obesity goes far beyond appearance and can have long-term health consequences.“Excess weight in childhood is not just a cosmetic concern. It significantly increases the risk of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and early heart problems,” she says.Read: 1 In Every 8 School-going Children Is Obese In Kolkata: StudyChildren who develop obesity early in life are also more likely to remain obese as adults if the issue is not addressed in time. This makes early prevention and lifestyle changes especially important.The Role Of Excessive Screen TimeOne of the biggest lifestyle changes affecting children today is the rise in screen time. From online classes and gaming to streaming videos, children are spending several hours each day in front of screens.Dr Golash notes that this shift is contributing significantly to weight gain.“Prolonged screen use reduces physical activity, disrupts sleep patterns and often encourages mindless snacking,” she explains.Exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, can also interfere with hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. As a result, children may feel hungrier and eat more than their bodies need.Ultra-Processed Foods Are Becoming The NormAnother major factor behind rising childhood obesity is the shift in dietary habits.Ultra-processed foods such as packaged snacks, sugary beverages, instant noodles and bakery products have become widely available and heavily marketed to children. While convenient and appealing, these foods are typically high in calories, sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.“They are low in fibre and essential nutrients, which means children consume a lot of energy without getting adequate nutrition,” Dr Golash says.Regular consumption of these foods can lead to rapid weight gain, insulin resistance and early metabolic problems, increasing the risk of long-term health complications.Decline In Outdoor Play And Physical ActivitySedentary lifestyles are another key contributor. Compared to previous generations, children today spend far less time playing outdoors.Academic pressure, safety concerns and the lure of digital entertainment have gradually replaced active play with more sedentary activities.“Even children who do not overeat can gain weight if they are not physically active enough,” Dr Golash explains. Reduced muscle activity slows down metabolism and allows fat to accumulate more easily in the body.What Parents Can Do To Prevent Childhood ObesityExperts say parents play a central role in preventing childhood obesity and helping children build healthier habits.Dr Golash advises families to start with simple lifestyle changes such as limiting daily screen time, encouraging outdoor play and prioritizing home-cooked meals.“Setting reasonable screen-time limits, promoting daily physical activity and reducing sugary drinks can make a significant difference in a child’s overall health,” she says.She also emphasizes that conversations about weight should focus on healthy habits rather than appearance.Early and supportive interventions, she adds, can help reverse unhealthy weight gain and protect a child’s long-term heart and metabolic health.