NewKerala.com

Key Points

During the CII Annual General Meeting, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran emphasized the potential consequences of junk food and excessive screen time on India's demographic dividend. He appealed to the private sector to champion healthier lifestyles and corporate responsibility. Nageswaran's remarks align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for reduced oil consumption to address health issues and fulfill India's development goals. Rising non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes in youth highlight the urgent need for preventive measures.

Key Points: CEA V Anantha Nageswaran Warns Junk Food Risks India's Future

  • Junk food and screen time threaten India's demographic dividend
  • Rising non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy lifestyles
  • Pvt sector urged to promote health
  • PM Modi advocates reduced oil consumption for health
2 min read

Junk foods, screen time can impact demographic dividend of India: CEA V Anantha Nageswaran

CEA Nageswaran highlights junk food and screen time impact on India's youth at CII AGM.

"We need to think seriously about what we are offering youth - V Anantha Nageswaran"

New Delhi, May 29

Junk foods -- essentially high in saturated fats, sugar, and/or salt (HFSS) -- together with screen time can have a serious impact on the demographic dividend of India, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran at the CII Annual General Meeting on Thursday.

He implored the private sector to boost healthy lifestyles.

"We need to think seriously about what we are offering youth," the CEA noted.

Amid the increasing trend of celebrity endorsement for ultra-processed foods, the CEA stated that "corporate social responsibility extends beyond just giving 2 percent of profits to CSR funds".

His comments come in the wake of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cancers in children and adolescents.

According to a recent study led by researchers from the University of Liverpool in the UK, just five minutes of advertising of junk foods is enough to coax children and adolescents to consume significantly more calories during the day.

The study showed that 7-15-year-olds with just five minutes of ad exposure, regardless of the type of media advertising, can consume on average 130 kcals per day extra, which is equivalent to the calories in two slices of bread.

Excessive screen time can also negatively impact mental and physical health, particularly for children and adolescents. It can also contribute to NCDs.

Avoiding junk foods, ultra-processed foods, sugars and sugary beverages, high fat, and fried foods, and increasing physical activity is crucial for a healthy life. A well-balanced diverse diet and adequate physical activity of at least 30 minutes is needed to boost health.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to adopt a healthier lifestyle and work towards a life free from obesity.

He emphasised that maintaining personal fitness would be a significant contribution to India's goal of becoming a developed nation -- Viksit Bharat.

The Prime Minister has also urged people to cut down the consumption of oil by 10 per cent.

Reducing oil intake can help create a calorie deficit -- a key factor for losing or maintaining body weight.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally someone is talking about this! Our kids are becoming addicted to screens and junk food. Everywhere I see - schools, parks, even temples - children are glued to phones. We need stricter regulations on food ads targeting children like some Western countries have. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While I agree with the concerns, we can't just blame corporations. As parents, we need to take responsibility too. My child's school canteen still sells samosas and chips daily - where's the healthy option? Change must begin at home and in our communities first.
A
Arjun S.
The PM's Fit India movement is good but needs more ground implementation. Why not make sports compulsory in all schools? In our childhood, we played kabaddi and kho-kho daily. Today's kids only know PUBG and YouTube. 😔 We're creating a generation with weak bodies but strong thumbs!
S
Sunita R.
Corporate social responsibility should include health education programs in schools. Many parents in rural areas don't even realize how harmful these packaged foods are. The 2% CSR funds could sponsor nutrition workshops and subsidize healthy midday meals.
V
Vikram J.
Let's be practical - banning ads won't work. Instead, tax junk food heavily like cigarettes and use that money to make fruits and vegetables cheaper. Also, why can't we have mandatory 10-minute exercise breaks in offices? Sitting 8 hours is equally harmful!
N
Neha P.
The study about 130 extra calories is shocking! That's nearly 5kg weight gain per year just from ads. But I disagree with completely blaming screens - during lockdowns, online classes saved education. Balance is key. Maybe enforce "no screen" hours like some countries do?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50