Key result
~55% of urban Indian adolescents report binge eating amid low awareness of NCD risk.
Why the study?
Data linking eating patterns, body image perceptions, and noncommunicable disease awareness among Indian adolescents remain limited.
Cross-Sectional (n=219)
Urban Indian adolescents exhibit a high prevalence of binge eating and body image concerns alongside limited awareness of noncommunicable disease risks, underscoring the need for early school-based interventions.
Should not yet change adolescent NCD screening or education; leaves open whether targeted interventions reduce future diabetes risk.
Introduction and Objective: Adolescence represents a critical window for the development of eating behaviors that influence future risk of obesity, diabetes, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Data linking eating patterns, body image perceptions, and NCD awareness among Indian adolescents remain limited. This study examined these factors among urban Indian adolescents Methods: We conducted a school-based cross-sectional study among 219 adolescents aged 13-17 years in Chennai, India. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing eating habits, binge eating behavior, body image perceptions, and awareness of NCDs. Anthropometric measurements, body fat percentage, and blood pressure were assessed using standardized protocols. Sex-specific differences were evaluated using independent t-tests and chi-square analyses. Results: The mean age was 14.5±1.3 years, with 61% boys. Girls had significantly higher body fat percentage compared to boys (23.6±5.2% vs 15.0±6.1%, p<0.001), despite similar BMI (20.5±4.6 vs 19.7±4.4 kg/m², p=0.178). Boys had higher systolic blood pressure (114±12 vs 108±11 mmHg, p<0.001) compared to girls. Eating disorders were common among adolescents, with 55% reporting binge eating (frequent 20%, occasional 25%), more often in boys than girls. Food restriction for weight control was reported by 59%(frequent 21%, occasional 20%), with no sex differences. Body image dissatisfaction was reported by 24%, while 41% perceived pressure to maintain body weight or shape, higher among boys than girls (66% vs 49%, p<0.05). Awareness about NCDs was limited, with only 26% recognizing the link between eating behaviours and increased NCD risk(boys 30%, girls 21%). Conclusion: Urban Indian adolescents demonstrate a high burden of binge eating with body image concerns, and limited awareness about NCDs. Early, school-based interventions targeting healthy eating behaviors and NCD awareness may be critical for diabetes and NCD prevention in this population Disclosure P. Ranjit: None. P. Thyparambil Aravindakshan: None. R. Guha Pradeepa: None. H. Ranjani: None. J. Narayanaswamy: None. P. Dhanakotti: None. R. Unnikrishnan: None. V. Mohan: None. R. Anjana: None. Funding Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India
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RANJIT et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Eating disorders and NCD awareness (n=219). Eating behaviors and body image perceptions was evaluated on Eating habits, binge eating behavior, body image perceptions, and awareness of NCDs. Among urban Indian adolescents, 55% reported binge eating, 24% reported body image dissatisfaction, and only 26% recognized the link between eating behaviors and increased NCD risk.
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