Early Warning for Parents: 1 in 2 children in J&K has dangerous blood fat levels

Srinagar, Oct 7: It’s more than a statistic—it’s a warning. According to the recent Children in India 2025 report, 1 in 2 children aged 5-9 in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) have elevated triglyceride levels, a key marker for future cardiovascular and metabolic risks. With 50.2% of young children affected, J&K ranks third among Indian states and union territories for this concerning trend.

The report, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on September 25, reveals that West Bengal tops the list at 67.1%, followed by Assam at 57.1%. By comparison, the national average stands at 34%, highlighting J&K’s starkly higher prevalence.

Triglycerides, a type of blood fat, can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications later in life. In children, high triglyceride levels often signal early-onset metabolic disorders, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and excess body fat.

Experts attribute J&K’s troubling figures to dietary patterns and lifestyle factors. Long winters, reduced outdoor activity, preference for processed foods, and increasing childhood obesity exacerbate the situation.

A 2017 Lancet study on global childhood obesity, with contributions from Kashmir-based scientists Dr Abdul Hameed Zargar and Dr Shariq Rashid Masoodi, highlighted that 24.7% of children in the region were overweight and 11.5% obese—meaning roughly one in three children already carries excess weight.

“This is a wake-up call,” Dr Masoodi said. “Unmindful eating, junk food, excessive screen time, and limited physical activity are major contributors. Early screening and lifestyle interventions can reverse these trends.”

Across India, states such as Kerala report far lower prevalence, with only 16.6% of children showing high triglycerides, followed by Maharashtra (19.1%) and Tamil Nadu (20.4%).

The report draws on multiple national surveys, including the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (2016-18) and the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), underscoring the urgent need for policy and parental action to safeguard children’s long-term health.