Too Young for Diabetes: How Changing Habits Are Putting Youth Health at Risk

Alouatan 24 / Ms. Malak BENCHAMA

Across the world, lifestyle-related diseases are no longer only a problem for adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global rate of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has risen dramaticall-from just 4% in 1975 to over 18% by 2016. Today, more than 340 million young people face health risks that were once considered problems of middle and old age (WHO, 2021). In many countries, including Morocco, families are watching traditional ways of eating and living give way to processed foods, sugary drinks, and hours spent on screens. These changes are fueling an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and related illnesses-conditions that can shape a lifetime .

Several factors are driving this crisis. One of the most visible is the spread of processed snacks and sweetened drinks. Where school breaks and afternoon collations once included fresh bread, olive oil, or fruit, it is now common to see children eating packaged cakes, sugary yogurts, and sodas. The WHO warns that children who consume just one sugary drink per day increase their risk of obesity by 60%compared to those who drink them rarely (WHO, 2017). For many teenagers, this pattern becomes a daily habit, often reinforced by advertising and peer influence.

The holy month of Ramadan also brings unique dietary challenges. This sacred time is rich with cultural meaning and family connection. However, it is also a period when the consumption of sweets increases dramatically. Pastries soaked in honey, fried dough, and syrupy drinks are enjoyed in abundance, sometimes late at night. While occasional treats are part of celebration, health professionals caution that eating large quantities of sugar over a short period can disrupt metabolism (World Health Organization (WHO), Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), 2021). Even young people who normally avoid excessive sweets may feel social pressure to indulge. For those with early signs of weight gain or insulin resistance, Ramadan habits can have lasting effects on health.

Urbanization has also reshaped daily life. In many families, both parents work long hours, leaving little time to prepare traditional meals. Fast food and packaged snacks feel like practical solutions, especially for busy mornings and late dinners. Meanwhile, smartphones and television have replaced outdoor play and exercise. According to UNICEF, less than one in five adolescents worldwide achieves the recommended one hour of daily physical activity (UNICEF, 2022). These sedentary routines, combined with high-calorie diets, create a powerful recipe for early chronic disease.

The consequences are serious. Excess weight in adolescence is linked to higher risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. The WHO emphasizes that overweight teenagers are up to five times more likely to become obese adults (WHO, 2016), facing long-term health challenges that can limit educational and economic opportunities. The emotional impact can also be profound. Teenagers living with obesity often experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and stigma, making it even harder to adopt healthier habits.

Yet the problem is not simply individual choices. In many cultures, including Moroccan society, food is an expression of care, hospitality, and respect. Offering sweet snacks during school breaks or preparing elaborate desserts during Ramadan is often seen as a gesture of love. Changing these habits requires sensitivity, respect for tradition, and clear communication about the health risks involved.

Traditional culinary heritage can also be part of the solution. Fresh vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats-like Morocco’s renowned argan oil-remain some of the most protective foods against chronic disease. Although argan oil is costly and not available to every family, its value reminds us of a broader principle: when food is prepared with care and knowledge, it becomes a source of strength rather than harm. Encouraging families to return to simpler meals and to limit sugary, processed options can make a meaningful difference.

Equally important is the habit of regular health monitoring and check-ups. Many parents and teenagers do not realize that early signs of diabetes or hypertension often go unnoticed. A child may appear healthy on the outside while blood sugar levels or blood pressure are rising silently. Routine medical examinations-whether at public health centers or through school-based programs-can detect problems early and prevent complications (IDF, 2021). Health professionals recommend annual check-ups that include measurements of body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, and blood pressure, especially for young people with risk factors such as sedentary lifestyles or a family history of diabetes.

Schools and communities have a key role to play. Nutrition education, clear food labeling, and the availability of healthy options during school breaks can all help shift habits. Rather than packaged snacks, canteens can offer seasonal fruits, unsweetened dairy products, and wholegrain bread. Sports clubs and youth centers can create safe spaces for physical activity and positive social connection, providing an alternative to hours spent on screens.

Public campaigns are also essential. Health ministries and community organizations can collaborate to promote awareness about balanced eating and the dangers of excessive sugar. Ramadan offers an opportunity to emphasize moderation: enjoying traditional dishes in reasonable portions and balancing indulgence with nutritious meals. Religious leaders, educators, and local influencers can all contribute to creating a culture where health and tradition reinforce, rather than oppose, one another.

Ultimately, this is not just a medical issue-it is a question of dignity and opportunity. Every young person has the right to grow up free from preventable diseases. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that everyone deserves a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, including food (United Nations, 1948). Making this right a reality requires collaboration: between families, schools, health professionals, and policymakers.

Change will not happen overnight. But by taking small, consistent steps-rethinking daily collations, encouraging physical activity, and prioritizing regular health check-ups-communities can protect the next generation. In doing so, they can prove that progress does not have to come at the cost of health, and that tradition and well-being can grow together.

References

• International Diabetes Federation (IDF). (2021). IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edition. Retrieved fromhttps://diabetesatlas.org

• UNICEF. (2022). The State of the World’s Children 2022: Children, Food and Nutrition. Retrieved fromhttps://www.unicef.org/reports

• United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/

• World Health Organization. (2016). Report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity. Retrievedfrom https://www.who.int/end-childhood-obesity

• World Health Organization. (2017). Sugary Drink Factsheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet

• World Health Organization. (2021). Obesity and Overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

• World Health Organization – Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO EMRO). (2021). Ramadan and Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.emro.who.int