New Delhi. Chief Economic Advisor of India (CEA) V. Anant Nageswaran has given a serious warning about the future of the country. He said that the growing consumption of junk food among the youth and excessive screen time trend is becoming a serious threat to India’s demographic dividend. He gave this warning while addressing the annual general meeting of the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), where he appealed to the private sector to motivate the youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle and rethink the direction of their products.
What did the Chief Economic Advisor of India say?
CEA Nageswararan said clearly:
“We have to think seriously what we are giving to our youth. Junk food, which contains excessive fat, sugar and salt (HFSS – High Fat, Sugar, Salt), and constantly spending time on the screen is having a dangerous impact on the health of generations coming.”
He emphasized that by giving only 2% profits in CSR funds, the social responsibility of companies is not fulfilled, but they will also have to play an active role in improving public health.
Junk food and children’s health threatened
Today, diseases like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer are increasing rapidly in young children and adolescents in India. According to experts, a major reason for this is ultra-prosely foods and excessive intake of sugar and fried foods, which are promoted by large-scale celebrity advertisements. Such advertisements affecting the youth are creating a long -term health crisis for short -term profits. The CEA questioned whether private companies should not take responsibility on this?
Screen Time: Effect on mental and physical health
Excessive use of screen time along with junk food is also becoming a major threat. Spending hours in front of mobile phones, tablets, laptops and TVs is negatively impacting not only eye health, but also mental balance, sleep quality and physical activity. According to experts, children and adolescents should not be given more than 1-2 hours of screen time, while many youth in India spend more than 4 to 6 hours per day on digital screens. Its direct effect is seen as lack of exercise, hindrance in sleep, and unnecessary calorie intake.
Study: The direct impact of advertisements on calorie consumption
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Liverpool, UK, showed that children between the age of 7 to 15 years consume an average of 130 additional kilocauries on an average after watching advertisements of junk food for only 5 minutes – which is equal to two bread slices. Whether the advertisement is shown on TV, mobile or social media, its effect was found almost the same. This study shows that junk food advertisements change children’s food habits, and the branding strategy of companies is directly affecting child health.
Need to move towards healthy lifestyle
Experts and physicians have clarified that distance from junk and processed food, limited intake of sweet beverages, low fat and diverse diets are needed today. Along with this, at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, such as walking, running or yoga is also necessary. Healthy lifestyle is not only personal benefit, but it is also a means of reducing burden on national productivity and health system. This statement of CEA Nageswaran is a call for awareness in this direction.
Prime Minister Modi’s appeal and fitness message of ‘developed India’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given emphasis on healthy India and fitness many times before. He appealed to the people to reduce the use of oily foods by 10% and bring balance in their diet and lifestyle.
The Prime Minister had said:
“Personal fitness, your biggest contribution towards developed India can be.”
He has called upon citizens to focus on their BMI (Body Mass Index), to remain physically active and adopt ‘Fit India Movement’. This message underlines that a healthy society can lay the foundation of a developed nation.
What can parents do and school?
Protecting the health of children is not only the responsibility of the government or companies. Parents and educational institutions will also have to come forward and take initiative to change:
Junk food should be banned in schools.
Children should be taught about healthy eating options.
Sports, yoga and outdoor activities should be promoted.
Parents should take steps towards limiting screen time at home and giving nutritious food.
No health if not health
India is a young country, and this is its biggest strength. But if our young people become sick, thick, mentally unstable and inective, then the country’s demographic dividend will turn into a burden. The warning of V. Anant Nagswaran should be heard in time. If the government, industry, society and every citizen try together, then we can prepare India as a healthy, strong and developed nation.
