School Programs Show Promise in Reducing Junk Food Consumption Among Teens

Impact of School-Based Interventions on Adolescent Diet

New Delhi, Jan 12: Recent findings indicate a concerning rise in childhood obesity, diabetes, and heart disease risks in India. However, a new study highlights the effectiveness of school-based behavioral interventions in curbing the intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) high in sugar and salt among adolescents.

Conducted by researchers from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, the study reveals that straightforward school programs can lead to a significant reduction in junk food consumption, averaging over 1,000 calories less per day.

The consumption of UPFs, which includes fast food and sugary beverages, is linked to various health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain cancers among young people.

According to the researchers, including experts from Imperial College London and the Public Health Foundation of India, this study underscores the potential of school-based interventions to mitigate UPF consumption among Indian adolescents, filling a crucial gap in public health research in low- and middle-income countries.

The research involved a structured nutrition and behavior-change program implemented in schools through a controlled trial design.

A cluster-randomized controlled trial was executed across 12 public schools in Chandigarh, focusing on Grade 8 students and their parents. Over six months, approximately 11 sessions were conducted for the adolescents.

Additionally, a single educational session was organized for parents to raise awareness about reducing UPF consumption and promoting healthier eating habits. Dietary intake data were gathered at both the beginning and end of the study using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls.

Results showed that participating students consumed over 1,000 fewer calories daily from UPFs, including packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food. The intake of other processed foods also decreased by around 270 calories per day, indicating a shift away from unhealthy eating patterns.

Despite the reduction in junk food consumption, the study found no significant increase in the intake of fruits or home-cooked meals, suggesting that eliminating unhealthy foods may be easier than establishing healthy eating habits.

Even with parental involvement, there was minimal change in parents' eating behaviors, emphasizing the significant role schools play in shaping teenage dietary choices.

The findings suggest that schools could serve as pivotal institutions in preventing future lifestyle-related diseases through cost-effective education and behavioral strategies.