The Ministry of Health has raised concerns over a growing trend of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Sri Lankan children, attributing the rise to poor dietary habits and lifestyle choices.
Speaking at a media briefing organized by the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Monika Wijeratne, Director of the Ministry’s Nutrition Division, revealed that conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are increasingly affecting school-aged children.
Citing data collected during the 2024 National Nutrition Month, Dr. Monika Wijeratne noted that 7% of students in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10 were found to be overweight.
A global health survey conducted the same year among children aged 13–17 revealed that 3% were obese and 12% were overweight, she said.
Dr. Monika Wijeratne further said that the findings also highlighted troubling dietary patterns, such as 17% of children consumed sugary beverages, 28–29% consumed high-fat foods, 41% consumed high-sugar foods, and 28% consumed salty snacks.
“These patterns show that children’s eating habits are far from ideal,” Dr. Monika Wijeratne said, adding, “As a result, we’re seeing a growing risk of NCDs like hypertension and diabetes at increasingly younger ages.” (Newswire)
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