Childhood obesity in India up 127% in 15 years, bariatric surgeon blames lunchboxes and screens

Causes of childhood obesity: One of the biggest causes of obesity in children is the shift in eating habits. Home-cooked meals are increasingly replaced by packaged snacks, sugary drinks and fast food (Image: Pexels)

• Childhood obesity in India has surged by 127% in 15 years, says UNICEF report
• Over 17 million Indian children affected; number may reach 27 million by 2030
• Experts advise families to encourage outdoor play, healthy eating, and limit screen time.

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If you think your child enjoying an extra packet of potato chips or watching screen for longer hours, and spending fewer evenings outdoors, is harmless, it's time for an urgent rethink. These compromises, doctors warn, are the biggest causes of childhood obesity in India.

It has surged by over 127 per cent in the past 15 years, reveals UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Global Report 2025. With over 17 million children already affected and numbers expected to touch 27 million by 2030, experts warn that daily family habits, not just policies, will decide the future of children’s health.

According to recent findings, more than 17 million Indian children and adolescents are currently living with obesity, warns Dr Taher Abbas Mithi, Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai. “If ignored, this number could rise to 27 million by 2030, placing immense pressure not just on families but also on the country’s healthcare system,” he says.

Also read | Rising childhood obesity in India: Effective tips to prevent and manage it

Parents, adds Dr Mithi, often don’t realise when healthy chubbiness crosses into obesity. “By the time medical issues appear, the damage has already begun,” he says.

One of the biggest drivers, he adds, is the shift in eating habits. Home-cooked meals are increasingly replaced by packaged snacks, sugary drinks and fast food. “These foods are high in calories but poor in nutrition, pushing children towards weight gain at an alarmingly young age,” the expert says.

Additionally, physical activity has also disappeared. Outdoor games have been replaced by virtual ones, and playgrounds by screens. “Children today are consuming more energy than they burn, every single day. That imbalance is at the heart of this epidemic,” Dr Mithi explains.

How habits take root early

Cultural practices also play a role. In many Indian families, pregnant women are encouraged to eat excessively, and infants are introduced to rich foods during weaning. While well-intentioned, these traditions can lay the foundation for obesity before a child even learns to walk. “Obesity prevention doesn’t require extreme measures. It requires consistency, awareness and adults who practise what they preach,” he suggests.

Also read | Obesity in children: Beware of the health risks of calorie-dense but nutrient-poor daily diet

What parents must do

Dr Mithi shares what parents and schools can do now:

• Make outdoor play non-negotiable every day
• Replace packaged snacks with fruits, nuts and home food
• Limit screen time and encourage active hobbies
• Ensure children get adequate, regular sleep
• Lead by example; children copy adult behaviour

FAQs on Childhood Obesity

1. What are the main causes of childhood obesity?

The main causes include unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food, as well as a lack of physical activity and excessive screen time.

2. How has childhood obesity in India changed over the years?

Childhood obesity in India has surged by over 127 per cent in the past 15 years. More than 17 million children are currently affected, and this number could rise to 27 million by 2030.

3. What impact can childhood obesity have on a child's health?

Childhood obesity can lead to various medical issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and other weight-related health problems. Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term damage.

4. How can parents help prevent childhood obesity?

Parents can help by encouraging daily outdoor play, replacing packaged snacks with healthier options, limiting screen time, ensuring regular sleep, and leading by example with their own healthy habits.

5. Can cultural practices contribute to childhood obesity?

Yes, cultural practices such as encouraging pregnant women to eat excessively and introducing rich foods to infants can contribute to obesity. Consistency and awareness in daily habits are essential for prevention.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.