'Junk food and screen time' are the biggest threats to India's future, warns PM's chief economic adviser

India's Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Anantha Nageshwaran has issued a serious warning about the country's future. He said that the increasing consumption of junk food and excessive screen time among the youth is becoming a serious threat to India's demographic dividend. He gave this warning while addressing the annual general meeting of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), where he appealed to the private sector to inspire the youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle and reconsider the direction of their products.

What did India's Chief Economic Advisor say?

CEA Nageswaran categorically stated:

"We need to think seriously about what we are giving our youth. Junk food, high in HFSS , and constant screen time are having a dangerous impact on the health of future generations."

He emphasized that companies' social responsibility is not fulfilled by donating 2% of profits to the CSR fund alone; they must also play an active role in improving public health.

Junk food and the danger to children's health

Today in India, diseases like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer are increasing rapidly among young children and adolescents. According to experts, a major reason for this is the excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar and fried foods, which are promoted on a large scale by celebrity advertisements. Such advertisements influencing the youth are creating a long-term health crisis for short-term profits. The CEA raised the question of whether private companies should not take responsibility for this?

Screen time: Impact on mental and physical health

Along with junk food, excessive use of screen time is also becoming a big threat. Spending hours in front of mobile phones, tablets, laptops and TV is not only hurting eye health but also on mental balance, sleep quality and physical activity. According to experts, children and adolescents should not spend more than 1-2 hours of screen time a day, while many young people in India spend more than 4 to 6 hours on digital screens every day. Its direct impact is seen in the form of lack of exercise, sleep disruption, and unnecessary calorie intake.

Study: Advertisements have a direct impact on calorie consumption

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Liverpool in the UK has shown that children aged 7 to 15 years consume an average of 130 extra kilocalories – the equivalent of two slices of bread – after watching just 5 minutes of junk food advertisements. Whether the advertisement is shown on TV, mobile or social media, the effect is almost the same. This study shows that junk food advertisements change the eating habits of children, and the branding strategy of companies is directly affecting child health adversely.

The need to move towards a healthy lifestyle

Experts and doctors have clarified that avoiding junk and processed food, limiting consumption of sweetened beverages, low-fat and varied diet is the need of the hour. Along with this, at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, such as walking, running or yoga, is also necessary. A healthy lifestyle is not just a personal benefit, but it is also a means of reducing the burden on national productivity and the health system. This statement by CEA Nageshwaran is a call for awareness in this direction.

PM Modi's appeal for 'Developed India' and his fitness message

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized on healthy India and fitness many times before. He has appealed to the people to reduce the use of oily food items by 10% and bring balance in their diet and lifestyle.

The Prime Minister had said:

“Personal fitness can be your biggest contribution towards a developed India.”

He has called upon citizens to pay attention to their BMI (Body Mass Index), stay physically active and adopt the 'Fit India Movement'. This message underlines that only a healthy society can lay the foundation of a developed nation.

What can parents and schools do?

Protecting children's health is not only the responsibility of the government or companies. Parents and educational institutions will also have to come forward and initiate change:

• Junk food should be banned in schools.
• Children should be taught about healthy food options.
• Sports, yoga and outdoor activities should be promoted.
• Parents should take steps to limit screen time at home and provide nutritious foods.

No health, no future

India is a young country, and this is its greatest strength. But if our youth become sick, obese, mentally unstable and inactive, the country's demographic dividend will turn into a burden. V. Anantha Nageswaran's warning must be heard in time. If the government, industry, society and every citizen work together, we can make India a healthy, strong and developed nation.

PC:Samacharnama