Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Jan 12: Even as India witnesses a sharp rise in childhood obesity, diabetes and heart disease risk, a new scientific study has shown that simple school-based behavioural interventions can significantly reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among adolescents.

The study, led by researchers from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, found that structured behaviour-change programmes in schools helped students cut junk food intake by over 1,000 calories per day. The findings have been published in the international journal BMJ Global Health.

Ultra-processed foods, which include fast foods, packaged snacks and sugary drinks, are high in salt and sugar and are known to increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers, particularly among adolescents and teenagers.

“This study demonstrates the potential of school-based behavioural interventions to reduce ultra-processed food consumption among Indian adolescents, addressing a critical gap in public health research and practice in low- and middle-income countries,” the researchers said. The study team included experts from PGIMER, Imperial College London in the UK, and the Public Health Foundation of India.

As part of the research, a cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted across 12 government schools in Chandigarh, involving Grade 8 students and their parents. Adolescents participated in 11 structured nutrition and behaviour-change sessions spread over six months, while parents attended a single educational session aimed at increasing awareness about the harms of UPFs and promoting healthier food choices at home.

Dietary intake was assessed at the beginning and end of the study using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. The results showed a marked decline in junk food consumption among students who took part in the programme.

“Students who participated consumed more than 1,000 fewer calories per day from ultra-processed foods such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks and fast food. Intake of other processed foods also dropped by about 270 calories per day, indicating a clear shift away from unhealthy diets,” the researchers noted.

However, the study also revealed that while junk food intake fell sharply, there was no significant increase in the consumption of fruits or home-cooked foods. This suggests that while reducing unhealthy food is relatively easier, building healthy eating habits may require additional and sustained efforts.

Interestingly, even with parental involvement, parents’ own eating patterns showed minimal change, highlighting the strong and unique influence schools have on adolescent behaviour.

The researchers said the findings underscore the potential of schools to act as frontline institutions in preventing future lifestyle-related diseases. They added that low-cost education and behaviour-change strategies implemented through schools could play a crucial role in improving adolescent nutrition and long-term public health outcomes.