New Delhi, Sehat Correspondence
The biscuits, chips, pizzas and cold drinks that many children enjoy every day may be silently putting them on the path to serious health problems later in life. Health experts have warned that unhealthy eating habits developed during childhood are leading to a future generation at higher risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
The warning came during an awareness programme organised by the Department of Pediatrics at Swami Dayanand Hospital in Delhi to mark World Breastfeeding Week. Doctors, pediatricians and public health experts stressed that children’s health begins with good nutrition at home and breastfeeding in infancy.
Doctors said they are increasingly seeing children in their outpatient departments suffering from stomach pain, constipation, tooth decay and urinary problems. According to them, many of these children regularly consume biscuits, chips, namkeens, burgers, pizzas, momos and soft drinks while avoiding fruits, vegetables and other nutritious homemade foods.
Dr. Punit Sharma, President of the East Delhi chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), said parents should avoid giving children packaged, coloured and highly processed foods. He warned that if such eating habits continue, India could see a generation struggling with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases at a young age. He urged families to encourage homemade meals and traditional Indian foods, which are healthier and more nutritious.
The experts also highlighted another growing concern—the declining practice of breastfeeding. They said many mothers are unable to breastfeed their babies and often depend on commercially available infant formula.
Dr. Ajay Gupta, President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Delhi, said infant formula is expensive, and many families who cannot afford it dilute the milk before feeding their babies. This, he said, can affect a child’s growth and overall development. He also pointed out that many parents fail to properly sterilise feeding bottles, increasing the risk of infections in infants.
Dr. Yangla, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Swami Dayanand Hospital, said breast milk remains the best source of nutrition for babies during the first six months of life. It naturally provides all the essential nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates and calcium, needed for healthy growth and brain development.
Dr. Surender Singh Bisht, Head of the Department of Pediatrics at Swami Dayanand Hospital, said the hospital organised the programme to spread awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and healthy nutrition. Members of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, ASHA workers and healthcare professionals participated in the event. A street play was organised to educate the public, while awareness sessions were conducted in simple language so that people could easily understand the benefits of breastfeeding and healthy eating. The programme was organised in collaboration with Bharat Vikas Parishad.
During the event, senior pediatrician Dr. Nirupama Tyagi of Perfect Tyagi Hospital, Dr. Ajay Gupta, Dr. Punit Sharma and several nurses from Swami Dayanand Hospital were honoured for their contribution to child healthcare. Experts also delivered lectures and interacted with parents to promote better nutrition and healthier lifestyles for children.
Medical Superintendent of Swami Dayanand Hospital, Dr. Sunita Kujjur, also underlined the importance of breastfeeding, saying that a mother’s milk is the best gift a newborn can receive. She said breast milk provides complete nutrition, strengthens a baby’s immune system and protects against several infections during the early months of life. “Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure a healthy start in life. Along with good nutrition, it also helps build a strong bond between the mother and the baby,” she said, urging families to support mothers in breastfeeding their children.
Doctors said the message is clear—healthy eating and breastfeeding are the strongest investments parents can make for their children’s future. Replacing junk food with nutritious homemade meals today can help protect children from serious lifestyle diseases tomorrow.
