Eating healthy is not just a lifestyle choice; it is a fundamental child right enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Yet, in a world where food trends and diets continuously evolve, the paradox that undernutrition and obesity coexist becomes glaringly evident, particularly pronounced among children and youth, who are the most vulnerable to the repercussions of unhealthy eating habits. It is crucial to understand the impact of these habits and how we, as a community, can build a healthier future for our young generation.

Today, undernutrition remains a significant challenge especially in rural areas, where limited access to nutritious food, often linked to poverty and improper feeding and dietary practices result in stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and impaired cognitive development. Conversely, obesity rates are soaring especially in urban areas, often linked to affluence and dietary richness driven by fast food, sugary drinks, and sedentary lifestyles. Lack of awareness about healthy diets is a common thread which is responsible for both undernutrition and obesity among children, adolescents, and youth. As per NFHS 5, obesity in adolescents (15-19 yrs) is 2.6 % and 2.8% children are overweight in Jharkhand.   

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Junk foods, with their attractive packaging are available even in the remote corners of the country and are popular among children, youth and sometimes even among their parents. These packaged food items, which are convenient and ready-to-eat, often substitute wholesome home-cooked food and have long-lasting harmful effect on the health of children and youth. In today’s world, influencers on social media platforms, as well as popular advertisements often promote visually appealing yet unhealthy foods. Several trends nowadays also portray contradictory eating habits: while viral food challenges and videos glamorize excessive eating, fad diets and extreme dieting trends, such as keto or paleo diets, encourage long periods of fasting and unbalanced eating patterns leading to nutrient deficiencies and disrupt normal growth and development in adolescents. 

The irony lies in the fact that while some children do not get enough to eat and become undernourished, others consume too much of the wrong kinds of food which leads to a host of non-communicable diseases at a very young age, such as obesity, juvenile diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers posing a grave threat to public health, affecting both ends of the nutritional spectrum.

What concerns  most is the escalating nature of these conflicting trends among our youth. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2022 that globally, 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight, with 160 million classified as obese. Among under-five children, 149 million suffered from stunting, whereas 37 million were living with overweight or obesity.  Alarmingly, nearly half of all deaths among children under five are linked to undernutrition.

Jharkhand, known as the "Millet State," provides a unique perspective on this issue. Traditionally, millets have been a staple in the region and are highly nutritious, offering a solution to various forms of nutritional imbalances. Rich in fiber, proteins, and essential micronutrients, millets are a powerhouse of health benefits. However, despite readily available local foods, modern eating habits have led to a decline in their consumption.

Efforts are underway to promote locally grown foods and revive millet consumption among the youth. To ensure our young generation reaches its full potential, parents, communities, and the government must work together to promote healthy eating habits. . Through school programs, community workshops, and awareness campaigns, UNICEF aims to educate both young minds and the broader community about the importance of nutrition and the benefits of incorporating traditional foods like millet into their diets. UNICEF also supports the Government in building capacity of frontline workers and other service providers so that they can promote appropriate diet and feeding practices for infants, young children and school-age children including adolescents.

Parents need to lead by example by choosing healthy foods and maintaining a balanced diet, setting a positive example for their children. Growing a kitchen garden wherever possible, educating children about nutrition, and involving them in meal planning and preparation can make healthy eating more engaging. Additionally, limiting the availability of unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks at home while encouraging fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are crucial steps in fostering better eating habits. Teachers of residential as well as non-residential schools also have responsibility to inculcate healthy eating habits among students.

Communities can support healthier eating by encouraging the consumption of locally grown produce, including millet, which boosts local agriculture and ensure access to fresh, nutritious food. Advocating for healthier food options in schools, community centres, and local events can also help create environments that promote better eating habits.

The government must enforce policies that promote nutritious food in anganwadi centres and schools while restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children. Providing subsidies for healthy foods can make them more affordable and accessible, and expanding nutrition programs with trained health workers can ensure that children receive appropriate information on balanced meals and healthy eating habits.

In conclusion, healthy eating is not just a personal choice but a collective responsibility that requires concerted efforts from parents, communities, and the government. By ensuring our children have access to nutritious food and educating them about healthy eating habits, we can help them reach their full potential. Embracing traditional diets like millet, supporting local agriculture, and enabling environments that promote healthy food choices are essential steps. Together, we can address the double burden of undernutrition and obesity and create a thriving, healthy environment for our young generation. 

Let's commit to providing our children with the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive and protect them from diseases.

-    By Dr. Kaninika Mitra and Astha Alang

Dr. Kaninika Mitra is the Chief of UNICEF Jharkhand and Astha Alang is the Communication Specialist