Now Reading: Chennai adolescent prediabetes, obesity surge 17 years, study finds
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Chennai adolescent prediabetes, obesity surge 17 years, study finds
Chennai adolescent prediabetes, obesity surge 17 years, study finds
Prediabetes and obesity among adolescent school children in Chennai have risen sharply over 17 years, a new study reports. Researchers compared data from 954 students aged 12-19 surveyed in 2023 with 1,080…
The Story in Brief
Prediabetes and obesity among adolescent school children in Chennai have risen sharply over 17 years, a new study reports. Researchers compared data from 954 students aged 12-19 surveyed in 2023 with 1,080 students studied in 2006 using the same method.
The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose, a prediabetic state, jumped from 3.1% to 28.1% among girls and from 3.5% to 26.4% among boys. Children in 2023 had higher BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose. The study, published in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome, warns of rising type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk in young adults.
The Indian Opinion
This Chennai study is another alarm bell, but it risks being filed away. For years, narratives blame genetics or 'lifestyle diseases' without naming the culprits: cheap ultra-processed snacks in school canteens, shrinking playgrounds, and marketing aimed at children. Parents and schools must stop treating this as a future problem. The concrete test: will Chennai's education department mandate weekly physical activity and ban sugary drinks on campus, or will this data gather dust?
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
