Tackling Childhood Obesity: A Global Call to Act
By: Dr Mounica Reddy Mandadi, Consultant Pediatric Endocrinologist, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children
Do you find it difficult to control your children from consuming junk food, sugary delicacies etc compared to healthy home cooked meals? It’s quite common to witness children who frequently prefer consuming packaged, unhealthy and oily food rather than eating healthy meals. Apart from that, nowadays, majority of children are constantly working in a high stress related environment (academics) and addicted to electronic gadgets without any physical activities thereby developing obesity at younger ages. Despite awareness generated by educational institutions and healthcare experts, doctors etc, we are unable to reduce the obesity rates in children especially in urban areas in Telangana. Children who developed obesity at younger ages are prone to other critical diseases like Diabetes , Cardiovascular diseases, Gestational ailments, PCOD , hormonal imbalances and many more.
As per the latest news reports, the Centre’s Economic Survey 2023-24 — identified Telangana as one of the few states where its people suffer from severe overweight and podgy issues. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals an increase in obesity rates in Telangana, with the proportion of overweight women and men rising to 30.1 percent and 32.3 percent respectively. A study published in the Lancet stated that about 12.5 million children – 7.3 million boys and 5.2 million girls in the country aged between 5 and 19 were grossly overweight in 2022, up from 0.4 million in 1990. Additionally, a comparative study done by Prashant Kokiwar, Sushma Narsing Katkuri on the prevalence of obesity and its correlates among government and private school children in Hyderabad stated that obesity was found in 21.09 percent among private school children and 19 percent in government school children.
Before we delve into the precautions for tackling obesity in children, let’s discuss obesity, causes and symptoms. Obesity occurs when there is an imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned, leading to excessive fat accumulation.
The causes of Obesity are –
Lifestyle Choices
• High-calorie diets laden with sugary treats, junk food, and baked goods.
• Sedentary activities such as excessive screen time and minimal physical exercise.
Family and Environmental Influences
• Genetic predisposition to obesity, particularly in families with unhealthy eating habits.
• Lack of access to nutritious food in low-income neighbourhoods.
Psychological and Socioeconomic Factors
• Stress from academics and personal issues.
• Overeating as a coping mechanism for emotional challenges.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Causes• Certain medications can lead to weight gain.
Symptoms
Not all children with a higher weight are obese. Body composition and developmental stages differ, making a comprehensive evaluation essential. Body Mass Index (BMI) and growth charts are primary tools used by healthcare providers to assess a child’s weight-related health risks. The common symptoms of children who developed obesity are
1. Physical Symptoms
o Excessive weight gain relative to height and age.
o Increased body fat visible in the arms, abdomen, and thighs.
o Difficulty in participating in physical activities due to fatigue or breathlessness.
o Development of stretch marks on the skin.
2. Behavioural and Health Indicators
o Complaints of joint pain or musculoskeletal discomfort.
o Increased sweating without much physical exertion.
o Signs of low self-esteem, including reluctance to participate in social or school activities.
3. Health Risks
o Elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) beyond age-appropriate levels.
o Indicators of related health issues, such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, or abnormal lipid levels.
To combat this escalating childhood obesity, the precautionary measures are
1. Balanced and Nutritious Diet
o Replace junk food, sugary beverages, and fried snacks with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
o Practice portion control and avoid overfeeding.
o Reduce consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods such as chips, candies, and processed items.
2. Encourage Regular Physical Activity
o Ensure at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise daily (e.g., cycling, swimming, or playing outdoor sports).
o Limit sedentary behaviours like TV watching and screen time to less than 2 hours a day.
o Make physical activity fun by involving the entire family in activities like hiking or dancing.
3. Promote Healthy Habits at Home
o Encourage family meals to foster healthy eating patterns and reduce mindless snacking.
o Educate children on making informed food choices, like reading nutrition labels.
4. Manage Academic and Emotional Stress
o Help children balance academics and extracurricular, allowing time for relaxation.
o Teach stress-management techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises.
5. Create a Supportive Environment
o Avoid using food as a reward or punishment to develop a healthy relationship with eating.
o Provide access to safe outdoor spaces for play and exercise.
o Involve schools in promoting physical education programs and offering nutritious meals.
6. Regular Medical Check-Ups
o Monitor growth and BMI during routine health visits.
o Seek guidance from pediatricians or dietitians if your child is overweight or obese.
By integrating these preventive measures into daily life, parents and caregivers can significantly reduce the risk of obesity and its associated health problems in children.
