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NEW DELHI: Even as concerns grow over rising diabetes and lifestyle diseases in India, a new national analysis shows the problem may be taking root early — nearly 7% of school-going children are obese, with rates steadily rising across the country.Published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine, the study was conducted by researchers of the ICMR–National Institute of Traditional Medicine, along with collaborators from India and the UK, analysing data from 125 studies conducted between 1995 and 2023.The overall prevalence of obesity was 6.97%, with regional differences — the north highest at 8.58% and central India lowest at 5.63%.The study also showed a consistent rise in obesity rates over time, pointing to changing diets, sedentary lifestyles and reduced physical activity.Dr Pradeep Agarwal, Principal Consultant (Paediatrics), Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, said the rise is being driven by poor diet and reduced activity. “Children today consume more processed foods, sugary drinks and packaged snacks, while outdoor play has declined. Academic pressure, long screen time and lack of sleep are adding to the problem.Obesity is no longer limited to urban areas — it is spreading across regions,” he said.Researchers said the findings highlight a growing public health concern, as childhood obesity is closely linked to adult conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.Dr Anjali Bhola, dietician at AIIMS, said changing food habits are a major contributor. “Frequent snacking, low-protein diets and sugary drinks, along with eating while using screens, are driving weight gain. Many packaged foods marketed as ‘healthy’ are misleading and calorie-dense,” she said.Dr Agarwal also warned that obesity is becoming a medical concern earlier, with increasing cases of insulin resistance, prediabetes and early hormonal changes in children.Dr Bhola emphasised prevention. “Cutting sugary drinks and shifting to balanced, home-based diets can significantly reduce long-term risks,” she said.With obesity often continuing into adulthood, experts said early intervention through better diets and physical activity is key to preventing future chronic diseases.