KOCHI:A study conducted by the Media Research Foundation, a Kakkanad-based NGO, has said there is an alarming increase in junk food consumption among children in Kerala, and noted that the number of obese kids in the state has doubled in the past 10 years. The changing food habits of children, especially below the age of 15, are affecting their mental and physical health, the study released on Thursday said.
The survey conducted in many parts of the state, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode, shows kids preferring junk food to home-made foods. The most affected are children living in cities. The Foundation conducted the study under the guidance of Chief Interventional Cardiologist, Dr Prathap Kumar N of Meditrina Hospital, Kollam. The intake of fatty foods like burgers and fried chicken on a high level have increased the number of cases in hospitals. “Nowadays children are more interested in fast food and its daily intake will make them end up with serious diseases like fatty liver and obesity by the time they are 35,” said R Ajiraj Kumar, state president, Media Research Foundation.
“Earlier, cancer cases were less in the state. Today, we can see the numbers have increased considerably. It must have something to do with the changing food culture and the food we consume,” said Libin Chacko Kurien, a city resident.
‘Skip breakfast, get ulcer’
The study report reveals children between the age of 10 and 15 are found with rising cases of cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and even cancer. Addiction to electronic gadgets, especially mobile phones, has caused increased eye problems. Consumption of untreated drinking water and food poisoning cases are also rising across the state. “Children drinking untreated water from restaurants and hotels results in vomiting and diarrhoea,” said Dr K M Thomas, Poyanil Hospital. Seventy per cent of children skipping breakfast in their run for school has also increased the cases of ulcers. The Foundation will submit a memorandum seeking the ban on the production and selling of junk food across the state. “Based on the study report we will submit the memorandum to the President, Prime Minister, and the Supreme Court Chief Justice. Also, classes will be provided in educational institutions to make children aware of the consequences of junk food,” said Ajiraj Kumar.