Sandeep Dhand
Nutritionist And Health Educator
A recent government report has highlighted a worrying trend in the health of Indian children and adolescents. According to the report, more than one-third of children aged 5 to 9 years may have high triglyceride levels in their blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood, and high levels are known to increase the risk of heart disease later in life.
The report shows that certain states have a higher prevalence of high triglycerides in children. West Bengal leads with 67% of children affected, followed by Sikkim at 64%, Assam at 57%, Nagaland at 55%, and Jammu & Kashmir at 50%. In contrast, Kerala (16.6%) and Maharashtra (19.1%) show the lowest prevalence. On a national level, it is estimated that more than 16% of adolescents have high triglycerides.
In addition to high blood fats, the report also categorizes around 5% of adolescents as hypertensive, meaning they have high blood pressure. Delhi has the highest rate at 10%, followed by Uttar Pradesh (8.6%), Manipur (8.3%), and Chhattisgarh (7%).
The report also addresses newborn mortality. The leading causes of death among newborns in the first 29 days of life are prematurity (birth before full term) and low birth weight. Nationally, about 48% of newborn deaths are linked to these factors. Other causes include birth asphyxia, where babies do not get enough oxygen during birth (16%), and pneumonia, which accounts for 9% of deaths. These statistics underline the critical need for improved maternal and newborn care across the country.
Education and literacy among children and adolescents were also studied. The report shows that overall, 63.1% of children and adolescents in India are literate. Among those aged 7 years and older, literacy is higher at 73.1%. For children aged 7–9 years, over 80% of boys are literate, while 81.2% of girls can read and write. Literacy improves with age, with 92% of boys and 90% of girls aged 10–14 years being literate, and 91% of boys and 86.2% of girls aged 15–19 years being able to read and write.
This report, called Children in India, was first launched in 2008 and this is its fourth edition, released in 2025. The data was officially shared during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations (CoCSSO) in Chandigarh on September 25. The information was collected from various government ministries and departments, including the National Family Health Survey (2019–21) and the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (2016–18).
The findings highlight a growing need to focus on child health, nutrition, and education. High triglycerides in children, increasing hypertension in adolescents, and the persistent risks to newborn survival indicate that more targeted health programs and awareness campaigns are urgently required. Addressing these issues early can help reduce future heart disease, improve overall health, and ensure better opportunities for children and adolescents across India.