Soft drinks, sedentary lifestyles fuel rise in childhood obesity

Colombo, June 17 (Daily Mirror) - Childhood obesity is increasing in Sri Lanka, with health authorities pointing to higher consumption of carbonated beverages and unhealthy lifestyles as key contributing factors.

The Ministry of Health reports that 17.4% of children aged 13–17 regularly consume soft drinks, a trend linked to rising weight gain and associated health risks.

In response, the Health and Education Ministries are preparing to introduce Healthy School Canteen Guidelines aimed at promoting healthier food choices in schools.

Officials note that urban areas are particularly affected, with higher rates of overweight and obese children driven by poor diets, physical inactivity, and excessive screen time.

Commenting on the situation, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Maheshaka Wijayawardena told Daily Mirror that childhood obesity has become one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century, now increasingly affecting low- and middle-income countries like Sri Lanka.

He noted that obesity in children is defined using the body mass index (BMI) adjusted for age and sex, and early monitoring is essential to detect unhealthy weight gain.

He said prevention should focus on healthier eating habits, increased physical activity, reduced screen time, and stronger school-based interventions, along with broader policy measures to support healthier environments for children.