Correlation Between Junk Food and Obesity

Obesity has become a major health concern in India, with more than one-third of the population being obese or overweight. India's fast food industry is growing at an annual rate of 40%. India is ranked 10th in fast food spending per capita, with 2.1% of total annual spending. This number is clearly showing where we are heading. It is important to understand the implications of consuming junk food in order to reduce the rate of obesity. As per WHO, in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese and 39 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in 2020.

Alarming Statistic of Junk Food Consumption-

• 93% of children consume packaged food more than once weekly.
• 56% of kids eat ice cream and chocolates more than once a week.
• 59 % of children aged 14 to 17 prefer beverages or packaged foods at least once daily
• 91% of children carry a lunchbox from home, but 40% eat packed food at school almost every day.

• Calories
• Fat
• Saturated and trans fat
• Sugar
• Carbohydrates
• Salt

1. Don't skip meals as people have tend to eat more during hunger
2. Drink water to cut down on the consumption of sugary beverages
3. Consume snacks that are nutritious and lower in calories
4. Understand the hunger pangs
5. Don't deprive of sleep