Indian study finds school programmes reduce junk food intake by 1,000 calories a day

As India witnesses a sharp rise in childhood obesity, diabetes, and early heart disease risk, a new study has highlighted the powerful role schools can play in shaping healthier eating habits among adolescents. The research shows that structured, school-based behavioural interventions can significantly reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are typically high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

The study, led by researchers from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, found that simple nutrition education and behaviour-change programmes implemented in schools helped adolescents cut their junk food intake by more than 1,000 calories per day. Ultra-processed foods include items such as packaged snacks, fast food, sugary beverages, and ready-to-eat products, which are widely consumed by teenagers today.

High intake of these foods is strongly linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers. With adolescents increasingly relying on convenience foods, researchers believe early intervention is critical to prevent long-term lifestyle diseases.

The study involved a cluster-randomised controlled trial conducted across 12 government schools in Chandigarh. It focused on students in Grade 8 and also included their parents. Over six months, adolescents participated in 11 interactive sessions designed to improve their understanding of nutrition, encourage healthier food choices, and reduce dependence on junk food. Parents attended a single awareness session aimed at supporting healthier eating habits at home.

Dietary intake was carefully measured at the beginning and end of the study using detailed 24-hour dietary recalls. The results were striking. Students who took part in the programme consumed over 1,000 fewer calories per day from ultra-processed foods. Consumption of other processed foods also declined by nearly 270 calories per day, indicating a clear shift away from unhealthy eating patterns.

However, while junk food intake dropped, the study found no significant increase in the consumption of fruits or home-cooked meals. This suggests that while it may be easier to reduce unhealthy foods, building long-term healthy eating habits requires additional effort and sustained support.

Interestingly, even though parents were involved, their own dietary habits showed minimal change. This highlights the strong influence schools have on adolescent behaviour and the unique opportunity they offer for health promotion.

Researchers concluded that schools could serve as frontline institutions in preventing future lifestyle diseases by using low-cost, practical education and behaviour-change strategies. With rising health risks among young Indians, such school-based interventions could play a crucial role in improving public health outcomes in the long run.

With Inputs From IANS