Paediatrician warns of rising ‘diabetes and heart disease’ in children; blames poor lifestyle and Western diet

By Admin

20 Sep, 2025

Childhood obesity is on the rise, putting kids at increasing risk of diabetes and heart disease. A paediatrician has highlighted the alarming trend, emphasizing that health challenges for children are changing rapidly. Where parents once primarily worried about seasonal flu or infections, long-term conditions like diabetes and heart disease are now making their way into pediatric clinics. Once considered adult problems, these illnesses are becoming increasingly common among children.

The Scale of the Problem

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Cardio Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, over 6 million children in India are estimated to be overweight, while 2.4 million are already obese. The study further reveals that childhood obesity is associated with 44% of diabetes cases and 23% of heart disease cases. Worryingly, many children are already showing early signs of these conditions at just 10 or 12 years old.

What’s Driving Childhood Obesity?

Several lifestyle changes over the last decade have contributed to this “perfect storm” for childhood obesity. More screen time, less physical activity, poor sleep patterns, and easy access to processed, high-calorie foods are key factors. Children today spend significantly more time on smartphones and gadgets than playing outdoors. Late-night habits and sugary snacks further compound the problem, leading to both obesity and premature metabolic disorders.

Unlike adults, children carry these lifestyle habits for a longer part of their lives, heightening their risk of chronic diseases early. Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating patterns not only increase fat accumulation but also affect insulin sensitivity, a key trigger for diabetes. Rising cholesterol, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease are increasingly being detected in children conditions that were rare even twenty years ago.

Impact of the Western Diet

The influence of a Western diet is another major driver of unhealthy weight gain in Indian children. High in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), sugar-sweetened beverages, fats, refined grains, and processed snacks but low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains the Western diet has become more accessible and aggressively marketed to children. Consumption of UPFs in India has soared from $900 million in 2006 to $37.9 billion in 2019.

This dietary shift correlates strongly with rising overweight and obesity rates. UNICEF's Child Nutrition Global Report 2025 highlights that from 2005 to 2021, overweight rates among Indian children under five increased by 127%, while adolescent obesity surged by 288%. Beyond weight gain, this diet elevates risks for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even mental health challenges.

How Families and Schools Can Help

Addressing this trend requires active involvement from both parents and schools. Nutritional advice includes:

• Offering well-balanced meals rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked traditional foods.
  
  

• Reducing junk food and sugar-laden drinks.
  
  

• Encouraging at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity through sports, outdoor play, or walking.
  
  

Creating healthier habits today can shape children’s health for decades ahead. Collaborative efforts from parents, teachers, and policymakers are essential to build environments that prevent chronic illnesses. While change won’t happen overnight, small, daily adjustments less screen time, more play, and wholesome meals can make a profound difference over time.

Note to Readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with questions about a medical condition.