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School Programs Slash Teen Junk Food Intake by 1,000 Calories Daily

A new study led by PGIMER Chandigarh reveals that structured school-based behavioral programs can dramatically reduce adolescents' consumption of ultra-processed foods by over 1,000 calories daily. The research, involving 12 public schools, found that targeted sessions for students and parents led to a significant drop in intake of packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food. Interestingly, while junk food consumption fell, there was no significant increase in fruit or home-cooked food intake, showing cutting unhealthy habits is easier than building new ones. The findings position schools as a critical frontline for preventing future lifestyle diseases through low-cost educational strategies.

Key Points: School Programs Cut Teen Junk Food by 1,000 Calories: Study

  • Reduces ultra-processed food intake
  • Targets adolescents in schools
  • Involves parents in education
  • Addresses rising lifestyle disease risk
2 min read

Indian study shows school programmes can cut junk food intake by 1,000 calories daily

An Indian study shows school-based behavioral interventions can reduce ultra-processed food consumption by over 1,000 calories per day in adolescents.

Indian study shows school programmes can cut junk food intake by 1,000 calories daily
"Students who participated consumed more than 1,000 fewer calories per day from UPF - Researchers"

New Delhi, Jan 12

Even as India is seeing a rapid rise in childhood obesity, diabetes, and heart-disease risk, a new study showed how school-based behavioural interventions can help reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods that are rich in salt and sugar among adolescents.

The scientific study led by researchers from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, found that simple school-based behaviour programmes can dramatically reduce junk food consumption by over 1,000 calories per day.

Higher intake of UPFs, including fast foods and sugary drinks, is a known factor for increasing health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancers in adolescents and teenagers.

"This study demonstrates the potential of school-based behavioural interventions to reduce ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption among Indian adolescents, addressing a critical gap in public health research and practice in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs)," said the researchers, including those from Imperial College London, UK, and Public Health Foundation of India, in the paper published in the international journal BMJ Global Health.

In the study, the team tested a structured nutrition and behaviour-change programme in schools using a controlled scientific trial design.

A cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted across 12 public schools in Chandigarh, targeting Grade 8 adolescents and their parents. About 11 sessions were held for adolescents over six months.

In addition, a single educational session was conducted for parents to enhance their awareness of reducing UPF consumption and encouraging healthier dietary behaviours. Dietary intake data were collected at baseline and endline using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls.

"Students who participated consumed more than 1,000 fewer calories per day from UPF, such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food. Intake of other processed foods dropped by about 270 calories per day, showing a consistent move away from unhealthy diets," the researchers said.

While junk food fell, the study showed that students did not significantly increase fruit or home-cooked food intake, indicating that cutting unhealthy food is easier than building healthy habits.

Even with family involvement, parents' eating patterns showed little change -- underlining the unique influence of schools on teenage behaviour.

The study suggests that schools could become frontline institutions for preventing future lifestyle diseases, using low-cost education and behaviour strategies, the team said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
1000 calories less is huge! But the study also shows a problem - kids didn't eat more fruits or home food. Just stopping junk isn't enough. Schools must also make healthy food affordable and tasty in canteens. The mid-day meal scheme can be a model.
D
David E
Interesting to see similar challenges globally. The finding about parents' habits not changing is key. Peer influence in school is powerful. Perhaps student-led committees promoting healthy choices could sustain this beyond the 6-month study.
A
Ananya R
We need this in every school! But respectfully, the study was only in Chandigarh public schools. Will it work in low-income private schools or rural areas where chips and soda are sometimes the only accessible "treat"? The program must be adaptable.
K
Karthik V
Great initiative. The real test is outside school gates where vendors sell cheap samosas and noodles. Education is one part, but policy is needed - like higher taxes on sugary drinks and stricter ad regulations, like some other countries have done.
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Sarah B
As someone who works in public health, this is promising evidence for low-cost intervention. The collaboration between PGIMER, Imperial College, and PHFI shows good global partnership. Hope state education boards take note and integrate this into the curriculum.

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