New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) As childhood obesity, diabetes, and heart disease risk escalate in India, a recent study has revealed how school-based behavioral interventions can significantly lower the intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) high in salt and sugar among adolescents.

Conducted by researchers at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, the study indicates that straightforward school-based behavior programs can lead to a remarkable reduction in junk food consumption by over 1,000 calories each day.

Excessive consumption of UPFs, which include fast food and sugary beverages, is a well-known contributor to increased health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and various cancers among young people.

“This research highlights the effectiveness of school-based behavioral strategies to reduce UPF consumption among Indian adolescents, filling a significant gap in public health research and practices within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs),” stated the researchers, including contributors from Imperial College London, UK, and the Public Health Foundation of India, as published in the international journal BMJ Global Health.

The investigation employed a structured nutrition and behavior-change curriculum in schools, utilizing a controlled scientific trial design.

A cluster-randomized controlled trial was carried out in 12 public schools in Chandigarh, focusing on adolescents in Grade 8 and their parents. Approximately 11 sessions were organized for students over a span of six months.

Moreover, a singular educational session was held for parents to boost their awareness about minimizing UPF consumption and promoting healthier eating habits. Dietary intake data were gathered at both the beginning and the conclusion using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls.

“Participants who engaged in the program consumed more than 1,000 fewer calories daily from UPFs, including packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food. Their intake of other processed foods decreased by about 270 calories per day, indicating a consistent shift away from unhealthy eating patterns,” the researchers noted.

While there was a decline in junk food consumption, the study revealed that students did not significantly increase their intake of fruits or home-cooked meals, suggesting that eliminating unhealthy foods is simpler than establishing healthy habits.

Even with parental involvement, there was minimal change in parents' eating behaviors, emphasizing the unique impact schools have on teenage habits.

The findings propose that schools could serve as pivotal institutions in preventing future lifestyle-related diseases through cost-effective education and behavioral strategies, according to the research team.