Lifestyle Diseases: Key Notes & Top 25 MCQs for UPSC EXams

"Innocence, ignorance, imitation, or negligence of mothers can harm a child’s health and future."

Mothers often shape their children’s health more than anyone else. However, excessive use of sugar, fried foods, refined flour, and salty snacks can unknowingly lead to fat gain, high blood sugar, BP problems, and early heart issues in kids. Overindulgence in tasty but nutrient-poor meals weakens growth, immunity, and brain function. Long-term exposure to artificial additives, coloring agents, and processed foods worsens the risk. Conversely, when mothers provide balanced meals, encourage outdoor play, manage screen time, and promote hydration, they protect children from lifestyle diseases. Every mother’s food choice can either harm or heal — shaping her child’s future health and happiness.

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Improper feeding of sugary and salty foods by mothers can endanger children’s health from a young age

Story: How Love for Taste Led to Childhood Health Issues

Here's a touching story of a loving Hyderabad mother whose affection through tasty meals unintentionally led her young son toward obesity, diabetes, and early heart problems.  

In the bustling lanes of Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, lived Mrs. Anjali Reddy, a loving mother who prided herself on cooking delicious meals for her only son, Aditya. Every day, Aditya’s lunchbox was filled with sweetened milk, ghee-laden parathas, fried snacks, and sugary desserts. While Anjali believed she was caring for her son, she overlooked the importance of balanced nutrition. 

Aditya loved his mother’s meals, and over the years, his love for sweets and fried foods grew. By the age of nine, he started gaining excessive weight. School teachers noticed he was often tired and had trouble keeping up with physical activities. Visits to the doctor revealed troubling signs: early-onset obesity, elevated blood sugar, and high cholesterol. The doctor explained that consistent intake of sugar, refined flour, and fried foods had already affected his metabolism.

Anjali was heartbroken. She realized that her well-intentioned cooking had inadvertently harmed her son’s health. Determined to change, she replaced deep-fried snacks with steamed vegetables, reduced sugar in desserts, and encouraged evening walks in Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park, near Banjara Hills. Slowly, Aditya began to adopt healthier habits.

This story reminds parents in Hyderabad and beyond that even love expressed through food can unintentionally damage a child’s health if nutrition is ignored. Early awareness is key to preventing obesity, diabetes, and heart issues.

White rice and refined wheat flour are common foods that indirectly contribute to many degenerative disorders, yet few people are aware of their long-term health risks.

Refined sugar and sea salt, though commonly used to enhance taste, can contribute to degenerative disorders over time, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease

Common Food Components and Their Effects on Children

Common food ingredients like sugar, refined flour, salt, preservatives, and colorants affect children’s growth, behavior, and immunity. Understanding their effects helps mothers make healthier choices.

This flow chart depicts the negative health effects and potential disorders linked to frequent consumption of white rice, refined wheat flour, and maida, including obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues.

This flow chart shows the harmful effects and possible health disorders linked to the consumption of packaged foods with preservatives, artificial flavors, and coloring agents

Table: Read the table below that summarizes common food components, their harmful effects on children, and examples, helping parents and mothers make informed choices to protect children’s health.

Food Component	Harmful Effects on Children	Example Food Items
White Rice	Low fiber, obesity, insulin spike, high blood sugar, indirectly high BP, and heart problems.	Steamed rice, rice-based desserts, Biryani, Khichdi,
Refined White Wheat Flour (Maida)	Low fiber, constipation, bowel problems, obesity, insulin spike, high blood sugar, indirectly high BP, and heart problems	Parathas, pooris, cakes, biscuits
Salt (Excess)	High sodium raises blood pressure	Snacks, pickles, packaged foods
Sugar (Refined)	Obesity, insulin spikes, and tooth decay indirectly increase heart problems.	Sweetened milk, kheer, desserts, cold drinks, chocolates, candies, gummies, cakes, pastries, icecreams, etc
Additives & Preservatives	Weak immunity, hyperactivity, asthma, allergies, heart diseases, kidney failure, cancer, etc.	Instant noodles, packaged snacks, juices, cool drinks, soft drinks, etc.
Artificial Colors	Behavioral issues, hyperactivity, allergies, cancer, etc.	Candies, cakes, soft drinks
Artificial Flavors	Digestive issues, unnatural taste preference, lung diseases, heart diseases, and cancer.	Ice creams, chocolates, flavored drinks
Trans Fats (repeated boiling of cooking oil)	Obesity, heart risk, and insulin resistance	Fried snacks, pastries, bakery items
Saturated Fats	High cholesterol, obesity risk	Ghee-rich parathas, fried foods, sweets

Common Food Components and Habits Mothers Can Use to Boost Children’s Health

Mothers should prioritize balanced nutrition, reducing sugar, refined flour, fried foods, and additives. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich meals. Encourage daily physical activity, adequate sleep, and hydration. Lead by example, foster healthy eating habits, and provide emotional support to strengthen children’s growth, immunity, and long-term well-being.

Table: Read the table below highlights common food components and maternal habits that, when used wisely, can boost children’s growth, immunity, and overall physical and mental health.

Healthy Food / Habit	Positive Effects on Children	Example Food Items / Practices
Whole Grains	High fiber supports digestion, reduces obesity risk, and stabilizes blood sugar	Brown rice, whole wheat chapati, oats, multigrain porridge
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables	Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, boost immunity and growth	Carrots, spinach, apples, bananas, berries, pumpkin
Lean Proteins	Supports muscle growth, brain development, and overall strength	Eggs, fish, chicken, legumes, paneer
Healthy Fats	Supports brain development, hormone balance, and absorption of vitamins	Nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado, ghee (in moderation)
Hydration & Water	Maintains metabolism, digestion, and energy levels	Plain water, coconut water, fresh fruit juices (no added sugar)
Limited Sugar & Salt	Prevents obesity, high BP, dental problems, and insulin spikes	Home-cooked meals with natural flavor, minimal processed snacks
Physical Activity & Play	Supports healthy growth, strong muscles, and cardiovascular fitness	Outdoor games, sports, walking, jogging, and physical exercise.
Adequate Sleep	Supports growth hormone release, brain development, and immunity	Consistent bedtime routines, 8–10 hours of sleep per night
Balanced Home-cooked Meals	Provides complete nutrition, reduces dependency on processed foods	Thalis with grains, protein, vegetables, fruits, and dairy

Conclusion

Mothers’ choices profoundly shape children’s health. While excessive sugar, fried foods, and additives can cause obesity, diabetes, and heart issues, mindful nutrition, balanced meals, and healthy habits foster growth, immunity, and cognitive development. Early awareness and conscious food decisions create a foundation for lifelong well-being, preventing chronic disorders from childhood onward.

Top 25 MCQs on Lifestyle Diseases for UPSC EXams

Practice the Top 25 MCQs on Lifestyle Diseases to strengthen understanding of chronic disease patterns, risk factors, prevention strategies, and public health relevance, enhancing exam readiness for UPSC prelims and other competitive examinations.

1. Lifestyle diseases are also medically known as:

a) Infectious Diseases
b) Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
c) Viral Diseases
d) Genetic Mutations

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Answer: b) Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
These diseases are not passed from person to person but develop over long periods due to genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.

2. Which measure is commonly used to screen for obesity?

a) ECG
b) Body Mass Index (BMI)
c) Blood Pressure
d) IQ Test

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Answer: b) Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. A BMI over 30 typically indicates obesity.

3. What is the leading cause of death globally among lifestyle diseases?

a) Diabetes
b) Cardiovascular Diseases (Heart disease & Stroke)
c) Cancer
d) Asthma

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Answer: b) Cardiovascular Diseases (Heart disease & Stroke)
Bad diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol use contribute to the massive prevalence of heart-related fatalities.

4. "Metabolic Syndrome" is a cluster of conditions that includes:

a) High BP, High Blood Sugar, Excess Waist Fat, Abnormal Cholesterol
b) Fever, Cough, Cold
c) Broken bones
d) Poor vision

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Answer: a) High BP, High Blood Sugar, Excess Waist Fat, Abnormal Cholesterol
[Image of metabolic syndrome risk factors] Having three or more of these factors drastically increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

5. Which lifestyle habit is the primary cause of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?

a) Eating spicy food
b) Smoking tobacco
c) Drinking water
d) Running

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Answer: b) Smoking tobacco
Long-term exposure to irritating gases, primarily from cigarette smoke, destroys lung tissue (Emphysema) and inflames airways (Bronchitis).

6. "Sitting is the new smoking" refers to the dangers of:

a) Standing desks
b) Sedentary lifestyle
c) Chairs causing cancer
d) Office work

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Answer: b) Sedentary lifestyle
[Image of sedentary lifestyle health risks] Prolonged sitting slows metabolism, regulates blood sugar poorly, and increases the risk of death from cardiovascular events.

7. Type 2 Diabetes is largely preventable through:

a) Vaccination
b) Healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining normal weight
c) Antibiotics
d) Wearing masks

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Answer: b) Healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining normal weight
Unlike Type 1, Type 2 is driven by lifestyle factors that cause insulin resistance over time.

8. Excessive alcohol consumption is the leading lifestyle cause of:

a) Lung Cancer
b) Liver Cirrhosis
c) Asthma
d) Arthritis

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Answer: b) Liver Cirrhosis
The liver processes alcohol as a toxin. Chronic drinking causes scarring (cirrhosis), leading to liver failure.

9. "Atherosclerosis" is a condition where:

a) Bones become brittle
b) Arteries harden and narrow due to plaque buildup
c) Muscles waste away
d) Skin becomes dry

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Answer: b) Arteries harden and narrow due to plaque buildup
[Image of atherosclerosis progression] A high-fat diet and smoking damage the artery walls, allowing cholesterol and waste to build up, restricting blood flow.

10. "Text Neck" is a modern lifestyle ailment affecting the:

a) Thumbs
b) Cervical Spine (Neck)
c) Lower back
d) Eyes

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Answer: b) Cervical Spine (Neck)
Constantly looking down at smartphones puts immense pressure on the neck vertebrae, leading to chronic pain and posture issues.

11. What is "Visceral Fat"?

a) Fat under the skin
b) Fat stored deep inside the belly, wrapping around organs
c) Fat in the legs
d) Fat in the brain

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Answer: b) Fat stored deep inside the belly, wrapping around organs
It is metabolically active and dangerous, releasing inflammatory chemicals that drive diabetes and heart disease.

12. "Osteoporosis" (weak bones) in later life is often exacerbated by a lifestyle lacking in:

a) Sugar
b) Weight-bearing exercise, Calcium, and Vitamin D
c) Sleep
d) Fats

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Answer: b) Weight-bearing exercise, Calcium, and Vitamin D
Bones are living tissue that needs mechanical stress (exercise) and nutrients to stay dense and strong.

13. Which dietary component is crucial for digestive health and preventing colon cancer?

a) Saturated Fat
b) Dietary Fiber (Roughage)
c) Caffeine
d) Refined Sugar

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Answer: b) Dietary Fiber (Roughage)
Fiber helps move waste through the digestive tract quickly and feeds healthy gut bacteria.

14. "Trans Fats," often found in processed foods, are harmful because they:

a) Are expensive
b) Raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL)
c) Make food taste bad
d) Dissolve too fast

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Answer: b) Raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL)
They are created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil and are a major risk factor for heart attacks.

15. Chronic Stress contributes to lifestyle diseases by constantly elevating which hormone?

a) Melatonin
b) Cortisol
c) Serotonin
d) Dopamine

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Answer: b) Cortisol
Long-term high cortisol increases blood sugar, blood pressure, and abdominal fat storage.

16. The "FAST" acronym helps identify symptoms of which lifestyle disease?

a) Heart Attack
b) Stroke
c) Diabetes
d) Asthma

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Answer: b) Stroke
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency. It is crucial for quick treatment.

17. "PCOS" (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a lifestyle-influenced hormonal disorder affecting:

a) Men
b) Women of reproductive age
c) The elderly
d) Infants

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Answer: b) Women of reproductive age
It is strongly linked to insulin resistance and obesity. Lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment.

18. What is the danger of consuming too much Sodium (Salt)?

a) Low blood pressure
b) Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
c) Stronger bones
d) Better hydration

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Answer: b) Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Excess sodium holds water in the blood vessels, increasing the pressure on artery walls.

19. "Free Radicals" cause cellular damage leading to cancer and aging. Which dietary component neutralizes them?

a) Fats
b) Antioxidants
c) Carbohydrates
d) Sodium

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Answer: b) Antioxidants
Found in fruits and vegetables, antioxidants stabilize free radicals, preventing them from damaging DNA.

20. "Digital Eye Strain" is caused by:

a) Reading books
b) Prolonged exposure to digital screens
c) Looking at the sun
d) Wearing glasses

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Answer: b) Prolonged exposure to digital screens
Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, exacerbated by the blue light and reduced blinking.

21. Which cancer is most strongly linked to obesity and physical inactivity?

a) Skin cancer
b) Colorectal and Breast cancer
c) Brain tumor
d) Leukemia

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Answer: b) Colorectal and Breast cancer
Fat tissue produces excess estrogen and inflammation markers that can fuel the growth of certain cancers.

22. "Sleep Deprivation" (less than 6 hours) increases the risk of obesity by increasing which hormone?

a) Leptin (Fullness hormone)
b) Ghrelin (Hunger hormone)
c) Estrogen
d) Testosterone

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Answer: b) Ghrelin (Hunger hormone)
Lack of sleep makes you crave high-calorie sugary foods to get quick energy.

23. "Processed Meats" (sausages, bacon) are classified by the WHO as:

a) Health foods
b) Group 1 Carcinogens (Cancer-causing)
c) Vitamins
d) Safe for daily use

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Answer: b) Group 1 Carcinogens (Cancer-causing)
Regular consumption is strongly linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer due to preservatives like nitrates.

24. The "Healthy Plate" method suggests that half of your meal should consist of:

a) Rice and Pasta
b) Vegetables and Fruits
c) Meat
d) Cheese

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Answer: b) Vegetables and Fruits
[Image of healthy eating plate] This ensures high fiber and nutrient intake while naturally controlling calorie density.

25. Why are "Energy Drinks" considered a health risk if overused?

a) They have too much water
b) High caffeine and sugar can cause heart palpitations and anxiety
c) They have vitamins
d) They make you sleepy

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Answer: b) High caffeine and sugar can cause heart palpitations and anxiety
They provide a temporary boost followed by a "crash," and excessive caffeine can strain the heart.

Watch Video: How Do Mothers Spoil Their Children's Health & Future?

Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites

Table: The table below provides trusted online courses, reference books, and websites to help mothers learn about balanced nutrition, healthy meal planning, and preventing lifestyle diseases in children.

Category	Resources
Online Courses	Coursera – Child Nutrition and Cooking edX – Nutrition, Health, and Lifestyle Udemy – Healthy Meal Planning for Families
Reference Books	“Super Nutrition for Babies” by Katherine Erlich “Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense” by Ellyn Satter “The Family Nutrition Book” by Dr. William Sears
Websites	UNICEF Nutrition WHO Nutrition Mayo Clinic Nutrition for Kids