On the eve of World Health Day (celebrated on 7th April), the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) suggested that celebrities should not be allowed to promote junk food. Chandra Bhushan, deputy general of CSE, wants Indians to limit their consumption of junk foods and the best way to begin is limiting marketing campaigns and availability of such foods.

This year's World Health Day theme is 'Beat Diabetes' which is very important for a country like India where over 60 million people suffer from the illness. Bhushan wants the food industry to stop aggressively marketing their products towards school children. Advertising on channels dedicated to kids and sponsoring school events should be a big no no.

Excessive consumption of junk food leads to the development of obesity and non-communicable diseases in children. "These foods are ultra-processed and are high in salt, sugar and fats. They lack fibre, vitamins and minerals and contain chemical additives. Such foods include carbonated soft drinks, chocolates, confectionery, ice-creams, instant noodles, pizza and burger from fast food outlets," a CSE spokesperson said.

Indians are developing diabetic problems at a younger age and this is becoming a problem nationwide.