Can teenage weight gain be more than just a phase? Increasingly, the answer is yes.
We often associate adolescence with fast metabolisms, high energy, and growth spurts. But over the past few years, a quiet crisis has been building—adolescent obesity is on the rise across India, not just in cities but in smaller towns and rural areas too.

In this episode, we unpack the deeper reasons behind this trend—going beyond food and exercise to look at the role of stress, sleep, screen time, social media, and emotional well-being.

Joining us is Dr. SubbaRao M Gavaravarapu, Senior Scientist at the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), one of India’s premier public health research bodies.

We explore:

• Why teen obesity is increasing across geographies and income groups
• The long-term physical and emotional risks of early weight gain
• How lifestyle factors—like disrupted sleep and chronic stress—amplify the problem
• What early signs parents, caregivers, and schools should watch out for
• How to shift the conversation from “weight” to overall well-being
• Practical, conflict-free ways to help teens make healthier choices

This is a vital conversation for anyone raising, teaching, or working with teenagers—and a reminder that health isn’t just about numbers on a scale.

About Nutrition Every Day: It is a special podcast series by The Good Sight and Rise Against Hunger India, bringing sharp, grounded insights on health and nutrition.

For feedback or to participate, write to us at ⁠⁠contact@thegoodsight.org

Credits
Host: Shreya M
Research: Alisha C
Show Artwork: Rajnikant S
Produced by: The Good Sight
Concept: The Good Sight & Rise Against Hunger India

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