A recent study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has uncovered a concerning health crisis among Delhi’s school-going children. The research tracked nearly 4,000 students aged 6 to 19 across public and private schools, revealing stark differences in health outcomes—especially in obesity and metabolic health.
Obesity Rates Soar in Private Schools
The study found that obesity among private school students is over five times higher than in public school students. However, this rise in childhood obesity cannot be blamed solely on junk food consumption.
Private school students often lead sedentary lifestyles, with increased screen time, reduced outdoor activity, and tightly packed academic schedules. While these children may appear privileged, their routines promote unhealthy weight gain and associated metabolic disorders.
Public School Children Battle Underweight and Malnutrition
In contrast, public school students face the opposite challenge. Rates of underweight children are nearly five times higher in public schools. These students often struggle with poor nutrition, skipped meals, and economic hardships. As a result, they are more vulnerable to fatigue, infections, and stunted growth.
Metabolic Syndrome: A Hidden Threat in Young Bodies
Worryingly, many private school children are already showing early signs of metabolic syndrome—an adult-like cluster of health risks including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These markers, if left unchecked, can lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
The researchers found impaired fasting glucose levels—an early indicator of diabetes—were 2.37 times more common in private school students. These elevated blood sugar levels were observed even after students had fasted, showing how deeply rooted these issues have become.
External Appearance Can Be Misleading
One of the most alarming findings of the study is the mismatch between appearance and actual health. A well-groomed, slightly overweight child might appear healthy, but underlying metabolic problems can be silently progressing. This highlights the urgent need for regular health screenings in schools, regardless of students’ external appearance.
Boys at Greater Risk Than Girls
As reported by TOI, the study also revealed that boys, across both school types, show a higher prevalence of obesity compared to girls. This may reflect gendered lifestyle patterns: boys tend to spend more time on screens or sedentary games, while girls often engage in light household chores or physical tasks. Over time, these behavior differences lead to significant health disparities.
Even Underweight Children Show Warning Signs
Surprisingly, some underweight children in public schools were also found to have early symptoms of metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure. This challenges the common belief that only overweight individuals are at risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
Conclusion: A Dual Health Crisis That Demands Action
The AIIMS-ICMR study paints a dual picture of health risks among Delhi’s children: obesity and metabolic syndrome in private schools, and undernutrition in public schools. Both trends are dangerous and demand urgent attention.
To address this crisis, schools must implement regular health screenings, promote balanced nutrition, and ensure daily physical activity. Without timely interventions, the city’s children risk carrying these health burdens into adulthood.