How fast food is spelling disaster for your kids...years down the line

An eight-year-old boy weighing 40 kg walked into the Paediatric Medicine OPD of King George's Medical University, complaining of constipation and severe vomiting.

- Sreya Deb

LUCKNOW:

An examination of his symptoms revealed an addiction to fast foods or UPFs (ultra-processed foods), and a lack of physical activity. Three months later, after being put on a new diet and medicines, being prescribed physical activity, his weight has reduced and he is on the road to recovery.

This child is one of many who are suffering due to UPFs, either as a direct cause, or a contributing factor to their health conditions, say doctors.

According to Dr Sanjiv Verma of KGMU, at least 10 out of the daily 200 patients that the outpatient department sees, get diagnosed with conditions that are a result of consuming such foods. Interestingly, most patients seen are below the age of 18 years.