As seen in recent years, changes in eating patterns have played a significant role in making children overweight and obese. This has become a matter of concern as one in five children studying in Delhi schools is reported to be obese or overweight. These overweight and obese children have a 70% risk of becoming overweight/obese adults.
Obesity and diabetes are becoming synonymous and this is known as ‘diabetes’.
Delhi Diabetes Research Center (DDRC), Dr Ashok Kumar Jhingan (Senior Director BLK Max) and his team conducted a study to observe the impact of food habits on children in 8 schools in Delhi.
In this study 1155 children studying in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades were included and they were followed regularly. A questionnaire was designed to find out about changes in eating habits, preferences and eating habits.
The following questions were asked –
1) How many times a week do you go to fast food shops?
a) once. b) twice c) thrice
2) Which food item do you like the most?
a pizza. b) burger c) french fries
d) fruit
3) How many soft drinks do you drink in a day?
a) one b) two c) three d) none
4) When did you come to know about these fast foods?
(a) less than 6 months (b) between 6 months – 1 year (c) 1-2 years
d) more than 2 years
5) How did you come to know about these foods?
a) seniors in schools
b) elders in the family
c) television
d) friend
6) How did you get hooked to fast food?
a) cousins eating in the family
b) Television and media advertising
c) Parents take children to fast food outlets during weekends
d) increase in pocket money
An analysis of the data revealed during the survey revealed some disturbing facts about eating patterns and preferences for fast food. It was observed – 39% of children prefer fast food like burger, pizza, french fries, while 11% of children prefer to eat fruit and 44% of children drink a soft drink daily.
Class 3 kids – only 11% like fast food
The percentage increased significantly to 39% for Class 4 children – fast food.
Class V children – The startling observation was that the percentage of these children who preferred fast food in Class V increased to 66%.
The present study indicated that many preventable factors such as family members, television and media advertisements play an important role in increasing children’s preference for fast food.
Children began to develop a preference for fast food from grade 3 onwards and by the time they reached grade 5, most of them had developed a preference for fast food.
Recommendations – Since the above category children have the highest incidence of being overweight/obese and can lead to diabetes and its complications in adult years.
Interventions should be initiated by the family, school authorities and media from class 3 onwards to create an environment so that children can inculcate healthy eating habits.
Also read: Not only obesity, ultra processed food can also cause cancer, claim study
This is the first step towards stopping the epidemic of ‘diabetes’ and towards a healthier nation.