SHAH ALAM – It’s high time for parents and teachers to recognise the early warning signs of health problems among teenagers before poor diet and excessive screen time spiral into serious conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Consultant Endocrinologist and Physician at Thompson Hospital, Dr Swarupini Ponnampalam said many red flags are often missed because parents assume such changes are just part of growing up.
"When it comes to food and its impact on health, you can start seeing symptoms like low energy levels, fatigue and mood swings.
"These are all linked to sugar levels. A child who eats chocolates at night might be hyperactive for a while but will soon slump. When blood sugar keeps going up and down like that, it’s a red flag," she told Sinar Daily.
She warned that such fluctuations could indicate early insulin resistance, the stage before diabetes and by the time lethargy sets in, it’s probably already too late.
Dr Swarupini added that sugar isn’t just found in sweets but also in fast food and refined carbohydrates.
"Even simple noodles can contain a lot of hidden sugar. If children are constantly eating out, they’re definitely consuming more sugar than they should," she said.
Dr Swarupini said there are visible physical changes that parents should watch out for, especially unexplained weight gain and dark, velvety patches of skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, which often signal insulin resistance.
"It’s one of the earliest visible signs that the body is struggling to manage sugar properly," she said.
Healthy Habits Begin at Home
According to Dr Swarupini, tackling adolescent obesity starts with parents, who must be proactive in recognising symptoms and setting the right example.
"Parents need to be alert to the symptoms, but more importantly, they must set the example.
"Many parents today are working and it’s difficult to cook, but developing good eating habits must start at a young age, as early as four or five years old," she added.
She encouraged families to limit fast food and return to home-cooked meals whenever possible.
"Parents in the past used to wake up early to cook or prepare food overnight; it was part of the routine. Now, even simple meal prepping can make a big difference.
"If you have to take away food, choose healthier options. Rice with vegetables and some meat instead of burgers or fried noodles," she said.
Dr Swarupini also pointed out that healthier food options tend to be more expensive, calling for collective action to make nutritious meals more affordable.
"This is where other parties must play their part, by making healthy food options more accessible.
"Shops are offering better-balanced meals, but affordability remains a key issue for families," she added.