A Deadly Combination?
Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit:
We all know junk food is bad, yet we still eat it. But do we know how bad it really is? Do we ever check what we are eating, and whether that packet of chips or Maggi noodles has what it claims to have? The increasing consumption of junk food among children has become a pressing concern for parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers worldwide. Junk food, typically high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, can have severe and long-lasting consequences for children’s health.
The mention of ready-to-eat foods has left the door open for food industries to aggressively expand their market reach. Public food schemes, often intended for children, are now being targeted by large food companies eager to push processed products. Today, when we think of food, items like pizza, burgers, chips, and wafers often come to mind. Children, in particular, crave these foods and frequently pressurize their parents to buy them. For many, eating such items is wrongly seen as a sign of modern or elite living. Yet behind the glossy packaging, junk food contains a host of chemicals that the human body finds difficult to digest. Doctors and nutritionists worldwide agree that these foods, though tasty, can cause serious health problems over time.
Regular consumption of junk food can lead to excessive weight gain, obesity, and related health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. Childhood obesity, once rare in countries like India, is now alarmingly on the rise. This is not just about physical appearance but about real health consequences that could shorten life expectancy. Junk food often lacks essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are critical for a child’s growth and development. A child filling up on processed snacks instead of wholesome meals risks deficiencies that impair both body and mind.
The high sugar content in chocolates, colas, and packaged desserts contributes to tooth decay, cavities, and other dental issues. High levels of fat and salt can increase blood pressure, even in young children, putting them at risk of lifelong hypertension. Worse, a diet dominated by junk food increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, and stroke later in life. What begins as a snack craving in childhood may turn into a lifetime of unhealthy habits.
In India, the problem of junk and processed food is reaching dramatic proportions. From big supermarkets to the tiniest village shop, shelves are loaded with packets of chips, namkeen, instant noodles, and carbonated drinks. For children, these brightly colored packets are far more attractive than fruits, vegetables, or homemade meals. Eating burgers, wafers, or even salads filled with preservatives not only damages health but also affects concentration. Studies have shown that children with poor diets often struggle with focus and academic performance. The lack of vital nutrients in fast food affects both energy levels and brain development.
This situation calls for urgent corrective measures. Parents can play a crucial role by encouraging healthy eating habits at home, offering balanced meals, and limiting the purchase of junk food. Children often learn by imitation, so when parents eat nutritious food, their children are more likely to do the same. Schools too have a responsibility. They must not only serve healthier meals in canteens but also educate students about the importance of a balanced diet. Lessons about nutrition and the risks of excessive junk food consumption can be woven into the curriculum. Healthcare professionals should continue raising awareness about the dangers of poor diet and provide practical advice to families on affordable, healthy alternatives.
Governments also have a critical role to play. Policies that regulate junk food marketing, particularly advertisements aimed at children, are essential. Clearer food labeling can help families make informed decisions. Promoting healthier food options in schools, colleges, and public spaces should be a priority. Some countries have gone as far as imposing taxes on sugary drinks to discourage overconsumption. India may need to consider similar measures if the current trends continue.
Fast food may save time, but the hidden cost is dangerously high. These foods are too often loaded with fat, sugar, and empty calories. The mantra should be simple: eat healthy, avoid junk food, exercise regularly, and stay fit. The future health of children depends on the choices made today. Parents, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers must act collectively before junk food becomes a silent epidemic that cripples the next generation.
(Note: Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit is a freelance journalist, writer, and cartoonist. A seven-time Limca Book of Records holder, he is known for his sharp commentary and creative contributions to media and literature.)
