Teaching kids to eat healthy at school can help them avoid junk food and stay healthier

Dr. Addu Kiranmayi

M.Sc Applied Nutrition, (PhD) Consultant - Nutritionist Rainbow Children's Hospital Himayatnagar

Why should adolescents reject ultra-processed foods?
Ans. According to recent reports, an increasing number of Indian adolescents are consuming ultra-processed foods, increasing the chances of severe diseases and death. With every passing day, more Indians are consuming ultra-processed foods. The overall per capita sales of ultra processed foods and beverages in India grew from 900 million in 2006 to over 37.9 billion in 2019, according to a 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) called The Growth of Ultra-Processed Foods in India. The consumption of such foods has grown consistently in India, increasing by 13.37% between 2011 and 2021, which is among the highest globally. This is a concerning trend as a new study has found a direct association between ultra-processed foods and 32 harmful health conditions. These include a higher risk of cancer, heart disease, mental health issues, Type 2 diabetes and early death.

What are the main reasons for the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods in India?
Ans. The main reason for increased consumption of ultra-processed foods in India is growing income. Other reasons include convenience, longer shelf life and quick access. However, unlike in the US and the UK where the consumption of ultra-processed foods is much higher, people in India can act quickly and limit the damage with robust nutrition policies, regulations, government led policy frameworks and dietary guidelines aimed at targeting and reducing dietary exposure to ultra-processed foods for improved human health. It’s essential to be mindful of both ultra-processed and fried foods in your diet and aim for a balanced and nutritious eating pattern to promote overall health.
Throw some light on the harmful impact of food marketing on children?
Ans. Millions of children worldwide are consuming too many highly processed foods and non-alcoholic beverages that are high in saturated fats, trans fatty acids, free sugars or salt with devastating consequences for their health and development. Globally, over weight affects 1 in 5 children 5-19 years of age, and the issue is impacting a broad cross-section of the population, including urban, rural and poor communities. The food environment, including how foods are marketed plays a critical role in influencing children’s diets. Evidence shows that food marketing impacts children’s food preferences and dietary intake; it is also linked to childhood overweight and obesity. Food marketing is a profit driven activity that represents “one of the most underappreciated risks to children’s health and wellbeing”, as highlighted by the recent World Health Organization (WHO)- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-Lancet Commission on the future for the world’s children.
Food marketing is pervasive globally. It typically uses persuasive and entertaining messages and experiences to engage children, exploiting their vulnerability, impulsiveness and ability to be easily influenced. More than ever children are exposed to marketing across multiple channels, including online via digital marketing, where they are frequently encouraged to share positive experiences with their friends, amplifying the effects of food marketing through peer influence. Food marketing appeals to children in new and diverse ways. Companies purposefully employ marketing strategies that appeal directly to children.

They use striking graphics, employ humour and fun in their messaging; and link their product promotions to gifts, competitions and entertainment events. Many companies feature movie and sports celebrities, as well as cartoon and brand equity characters (i.e those developed to represent a particular product or brand) which are popular with children.
What are the best preventive strategies to protect children from the harmful impact of food marketing? Ans. It is important to ensure that children and parents have access to accurate, non-misleading information on the relative healthfulness of different food products. Important policies on the following issues should be aligned: Procurement of food for public institutions. Regulation of school food environments (including feeding programmes and foods sold in schools). Nutrition labelling Regulations, including nutrient declarations, health and nutrition claims, and front of pack labels (e.g. warning logos for foods high in, or with an excess of, nutrients of public health concern). Rules on retail environments, including supermarket check-out policies and shelf placement. Fiscal policies to limit consumption of targeted foods and encourage consumption of healthier foods. Last but not the least government should have an imperative to adopt a child rights-based approach to protect children from the harmful impact of food marketing. As this approach promotes good governance, clear roles and responsibilities and accountability while empowering children as individuals. Why should schools invest in children’s nutrition? Ans. Nutrition education is a vital part of a comprehensive health education program and empowers children with knowledge and skills to make healthy food and beverage choices. Schools are a unique opportunity to support good nutrition and the development of children and adolescents. Nutrition education is more than teaching the food groups-it’s a comprehensive understanding of nutrients, dietary choices, meal planning, and the ability to decipher complex food labels. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to make informed dietary choices throughout their lives. Early exposure to nutrition concepts positively influences food choices and behaviours in adulthood. Nutrition education is a powerful tool in the fight against childhood obesity.
  1. Schools’ investment in child nutrition can improve cognition, academic performance and attention span.
  2. Children spend most of their time in schools. The perfect place to cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits.
  3. Schools can contribute to building a healthier India, by preventing burden of non-communicable diseases and should offer health services for a range of conditions including diabetes, overweight, obesity and undernutrition.
  4. Promote the consumption of safe and balanced diet among children as per the “My Plate for The Day” recommended by the National Institute of Nutrition.
  5. Cafeterias are learning labs where students are exposed to new foods through the school meal program. Cafeterias can be decorated with nutrition promotion posters or student artwork promoting healthy eating.
  6. Ensuring nutrition education in schools always applies the triple curriculum approach i.e. link nutrition education in the classroom with learning in the school environment, home and community.
  7. School Garden programs can increase student’s nutrition knowledge. Students can prepare soil for the garden, plant seeds, harvest the fruits and vegetables. Produce from school gardens can be incorporated in school meals.
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