Poor diet, sedentary habits contribute to rising metabolic disorders among young people, says expert

Poor diet, sedentary habits, and prolonged screen use are contributing to metabolic disorders among young people at increasingly younger ages, said Challa Suresh, Scientist ‘G’ and Director Grade, Head of the Cell Biology Division, AcSIR Coordinator at the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, at an oration organised by Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research recently.

Delivering the Prof. S.P. Thyagarajan Endowment Oration on ‘The Modern Lifestyle Paradox: Why are Young People Developing Metabolic Disorder Earlier?’, Prof. Suresh stressed the importance of nutritious food and healthier lifestyle habits in preventing lifestyle-related illnesses.

He advised young people to choose wholesome, nutrient-rich foods, and limit processed and packaged foods, which he linked to rising obesity. He also called for reducing screen time, noting that prolonged use of digital devices encourage sedentary behaviour and affect memory and overall well-being.

The event was attended by university officials, academicians, clinicians, researchers, and students.