The twin burden of malnutrition and obesity, unfortunately, runs parallel in our country.
This can be tackled by strengthening the mid-day meal scheme and banning fast food and sugar-loaded beverages in and around 500 yards of schools. The actual challenge, however, lies in its implementation, as the issue involves the interests of processed food companies and children’s obsession with junk food.
K. Sateesh Reddy,Nalgonda
Packaged items should be banned in school canteens and petty shops near schools. Another important thing to be considered is advertisement of these products. They influence children a lot. Parents try to appease children by giving them Rs.5 or Rs.10 which can buy packaged food.
This culture makes children obese. Intake of fast food reduces the normal food consumption.
V. Pandy, Tuticorin
Recently, I visited a super specialty hospital run by a well known corporate house. In one of the many air-conditioned corridors, I found a line of obese men and women of all ages waiting for their turn to meet the bariatrics surgeon.
Most of them, I am sure, are themselves to blame for their huge weight gains. They now have to spend a fortune to reduce it.
Along with a law banning junk food in and near schools, a massive awareness campaign should be launched against bad food habits and lifestyles.
C.K. Saseendran,Bangalore
