Tiny tummies, unhealthy habits
Summary
Over 57 percent of children aged six to 23 months in Kathmandu Valley consume sweet beverages, with a high rate of unhealthy food intake nationwide, raising concerns about child malnutrition and health risks in Nepal.
Key Points
- Over 57 percent of children aged six to 23 months in Kathmandu Valley consume sweet beverages, and 46 percent consume unhealthy foods.
- Nationwide, 43 percent of children in this age group drink sweet beverages, and 41 percent consume junk foods, with urban areas reporting higher consumption.
- Malnutrition, including both undernutrition and obesity, affects children's development and cognitive capacity, with long-term implications.
- Experts emphasize the need for government recognition of malnutrition as a public health issue and increased investment to meet Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
