Health first.

 A 2025 global study across 85 countries found this: Ultra-processed food accounts for up to 30% of the mental health burden in young adults.

The Global Mind Health 2025 report studied over five lakh young adults across 85 countries. 

The finding that stopped me: frequent ultra-processed food consumption may account for 15 to 30% of the total mental health burden among young adults. 

Not just obesity or diabetes. 

Mental health, cognitive control, and emotional resilience.

In India, the generational gap is stark. Among 18-34 year olds, 44% consume ultra-processed foods regularly. Among those above 55, it is just 11%. A 4x difference within the same country, within one generation. 

We built an entire economy around making UPF faster, cheaper, and more accessible. 

→ Instant noodles at midnight. 

→ Chips, bhujia, energy drinks JLT

→ Ten-minute delivery is accelerating this

The Lancet has already identified India as one of the fastest-growing ultra-processed food markets over the last 15 years. 

Nestle just increased their capacity of Maggi to 16.16 cr kg. At 70 grams per packet, they are preparing to feed India 231 cr packets every year. That’s 63 lacs packets every day!

India keeps talking about its demographic dividend - 600 million people under 25. But a workforce that is cognitively impaired, emotionally fragile, and metabolically sick is not a dividend. It is a liability. 

We may become a Viksit Bharat, but from within India’s health is going to the dogs. We cannot build a productive nation on a foundation of packaged food.

UPF delivered by Zepto/Blinkit.

Who do I blame: Regulators first for giving us this food environment. And then me, and you. Neither UPF companies. Nor Zepto/Blinkit. They are creating value for their shareholders. What about you?

You are the CEO of your kid’s health. Start behaving like one. #health #lifestyle #kids #parenting