The dangers of the 4Ms: Doctor's strong message for today's parents
ETimes | December 4, 2025 3:39 AM CST
In a powerful and thought-provoking video shared on social media, Dr. Hanish Bajaj highlighted a case that serves as a serious reminder for parents to re-examine their children’s daily habits. Introducing a four-year-old boy named Mayank, the doctor explained how unhealthy lifestyle choices may contribute to significant health complications in young children.
“This is a four-year-old boy, Mayank, and he has come to us. He has a problem with his limbs, as you can see in the X-ray. There is a problem everywhere,” Dr. Bajaj said in the video, urging parents to pay closer attention to what their children consume and how they spend their time.
The “4M Rule” every parent must follow
According to Dr. Bajaj, preventing childhood health issues often begins at home with discipline, awareness, and better daily choices. He stressed on what he calls the “4M Rule” — Mithai, Maida, Maggi and Mobile, which he advises parents to strictly limit or eliminate from a child’s lifestyle.
“I have already told you that you have to follow the 4MK rule in children. Mithai, maida, maggi and mobile. Keep your children away from them. Children’s health is paramount,” he added.
These items and habits, he explained, may weaken a child’s immune system and contribute to long-term problems if not controlled early.
How the 4Ms harm a child’s healthEach of the “4Ms” impacts children in different yet damaging ways:
Sweets (Mithai): Excess sugar lowers immunity and increases the risk of frequent infections and lifestyle diseases.
Maida (Refined Flour): It can lead to digestive issues and poor nutrient absorption, affecting overall growth.
Maggi and processed foods: These contain high levels of preservatives and low nutrition, which negatively affect development.
Mobile / Screen time: Too much screen exposure disturbs sleep, concentration, physical activity, and mental health.
“All these things make these diseases worse. And your child can get into trouble like this,” Dr. Bajaj warned.
The doctor emphasised that building strong immunity starts with everyday habits and responsible choices. From providing balanced meals to encouraging outdoor play and limiting gadgets, parents play the most crucial role in shaping a child’s future health.
“Kindly take care of your children’s health,” he concluded, urging families to adopt healthier routines for long-term wellbeing.
“This is a four-year-old boy, Mayank, and he has come to us. He has a problem with his limbs, as you can see in the X-ray. There is a problem everywhere,” Dr. Bajaj said in the video, urging parents to pay closer attention to what their children consume and how they spend their time.
The “4M Rule” every parent must follow
According to Dr. Bajaj, preventing childhood health issues often begins at home with discipline, awareness, and better daily choices. He stressed on what he calls the “4M Rule” — Mithai, Maida, Maggi and Mobile, which he advises parents to strictly limit or eliminate from a child’s lifestyle.
“I have already told you that you have to follow the 4MK rule in children. Mithai, maida, maggi and mobile. Keep your children away from them. Children’s health is paramount,” he added.
These items and habits, he explained, may weaken a child’s immune system and contribute to long-term problems if not controlled early.
How the 4Ms harm a child’s healthEach of the “4Ms” impacts children in different yet damaging ways:
Sweets (Mithai): Excess sugar lowers immunity and increases the risk of frequent infections and lifestyle diseases.
Maida (Refined Flour): It can lead to digestive issues and poor nutrient absorption, affecting overall growth.
Maggi and processed foods: These contain high levels of preservatives and low nutrition, which negatively affect development.
Mobile / Screen time: Too much screen exposure disturbs sleep, concentration, physical activity, and mental health.
“All these things make these diseases worse. And your child can get into trouble like this,” Dr. Bajaj warned.
The doctor emphasised that building strong immunity starts with everyday habits and responsible choices. From providing balanced meals to encouraging outdoor play and limiting gadgets, parents play the most crucial role in shaping a child’s future health.
“Kindly take care of your children’s health,” he concluded, urging families to adopt healthier routines for long-term wellbeing.
READ NEXT
-
Kensington Palace release new picture of Princess Kate and William ahead of state banquet
-
Probe into pre-budget leaks 'underway' as fallout from Rachel Reeves's statement continues
-
Lotto winning numbers RECAP : Full National Lottery results with Thunderball on December 3
-
Why was Angry Ginge arrested before joining I'm A Celeb?
-
Matthew Perry's doctor handed bombshell prison sentence after fatal overdose
