An ongoing study by Motilal Nehru Medical College (MLNMC) has raised concern over rising obesity and early diabetes risk among schoolchildren, attributing the trend to declining physical activity and poor morning nutrition. The findings highlight how reduced bicycle use for school commutes and the increasingly common habit of leaving home on an empty stomach are shaping worrying health patterns among adolescents.
Study tracks 1,000 adolescents to assess obesity and lifestyle habits
The research, launched in 2023 under the Department of Health Research, is being conducted by the Multidisciplinary Research Unit at MLNMC. It aims to evaluate 1,000 students between the ages of 15 and 17, studying in classes 9 to 12. So far, data from 650 schoolchildren have been analysed, providing sufficient preliminary evidence to identify clear and consistent risk factors.
Researchers are examining dietary patterns, caloric and protein intake, and detailed anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference. A medical team has also been counselling students to understand lifestyle routines, eating behaviours and awareness levels.
Initial findings show that 2.4% of the children were overweight and 1% were diagnosed with obesity, with significant variations across school types.
Fast-food consumption and physical inactivity emerge as major drivers
One of the most striking behavioural trends observed is the heavy reliance on fast food. Around 36.2% of students reported eating fast food every day, resulting in an additional 8% caloric intake on average — a major contributor to early weight gain.
Physical inactivity is also a growing concern. Most students commute to school by car or motorcycle instead of walking or cycling, signalling a substantial decline in habitual exercise. Researchers identify this shift as a core reason for metabolic imbalance and rising obesity levels.
Another pattern highlighted is the widespread habit of skipping breakfast, with many students leaving home without adequate morning nourishment. Experts warn that this increases the risk of obesity and early-onset diabetes by disrupting the body’s metabolic rhythm.
Nutrition gaps sharper among girls, especially in English-medium schools
The study documented significant differences between school types. Students from English-medium schools showed higher rates of overweight and obesity, with 158 boys and 212 girls affected.
In contrast, undernourishment was more common among students in Hindi-medium schools, pointing to the dual challenges of overnutrition and undernutrition within the same urban ecosystem.
Protein deficiency was identified in 38% of boys and 53.2% of girls, indicating a deeper nutritional gap among adolescent girls.
According to Dr Anubha Srivastava from the Department of Medicine at MLNMC, awareness among students exists but is limited:
“While there is basic awareness about health among students, misconceptions remain widespread. Many students recognise dietary risks but lack deeper understanding.”
Specialists further noted that frequent fast-food exposure has resulted in deficiencies in both calories and protein, particularly among girls.
Students acknowledge unhealthy habits but continue risky patterns
Counselling sessions revealed that 51.7% of children admit that high sugar intake leads to weight gain, while 52% acknowledged routine consumption of fried and refined fast-food items. Researchers noted that despite this awareness, behaviour has not shifted accordingly.
The study underscores the urgent need for schools to strengthen health education, restructure canteen offerings and encourage routine physical activity. It also recommends early intervention strategies to prevent long-term complications such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.