The Hidden Crisis: How Junk, Refined, and Processed Foods Threaten Children's Health in India
India is witnessing a silent nutritional emergency. While the country once struggled primarily with undernutrition, a dramatic shift has occurred: childhood obesity and diet-related diseases are now surging. In 2025, 14.9 million children aged 5–9 years and over 26 million adolescents aged 10–19 were overweight or obese. The proportion of overweight children under five has doubled from 1.9% to around 4% in many states. This alarming trend is driven largely by the rising consumption of junk, refined, and ultra-processed foods and drinks.
Rashmi G Somani 13 Jun 2026
3 min read 
