LAHORE: A new World Obesity Federation report has sounded the alarm on the rapid rise of childhood obesity in Punjab, warning that the province is heading towards a severe diabetes crisis if urgent action is not taken.
The international study ranks Pakistan fifth globally for childhood obesity, with Punjab recording the sharpest increase in overweight students and related health complications. Nearly 28 percent of Pakistani children are now overweight and 16 percent obese, with the highest prevalence in Punjab’s primary and middle schools, across both public and private institutions.
Researchers attribute the trend to unhealthy diets heavy in processed foods and sugary drinks, coupled with sedentary lifestyles where screen time has replaced outdoor play. A shortage of safe playgrounds and limited sports facilities in schools has further aggravated the situation.
Health specialists in Lahore report that conditions once rare in children—such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease—are now becoming alarmingly common. Public health analyst Professor Mazhar Mahmood warned that if these patterns continue, Punjab could see the number of overweight and diabetic children double by 2050, creating immense pressure on hospitals and driving up healthcare costs.
Urbanization has played a significant role in cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi, where fast-food chains have mushroomed and children are increasingly drawn to calorie-dense snacks and sugary beverages sold around schools. Administrators say these eating habits during school breaks are compounding the health risks.
The World Obesity Federation has urged Punjab authorities to adopt stronger interventions, including mandatory physical education in schools, stricter controls on junk food sales near campuses, and comprehensive nutrition programs. Experts also recommend widespread campaigns to educate parents about healthy diets and the dangers of excessive sugar intake.
While the provincial health department has launched awareness drives, specialists warn that current efforts fall far short of the scale needed to contain what could soon become a full-blown public health emergency.