In 2020, India recorded 18 million obese children and went on to become the second-highest nation in the world with obese children. The number is expected to double by 2030. The World Health Organization has declared obesity as the fastest spreading epidemic.
To understand why obesity is rising in India and the common triggers behind it, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Abhishek Chopra, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi.
According to Unicef's World Obesity Atlas for 2022, India is predicted to have more than 27 million obese children, representing one in 10 children globally, by 2030.
What Is An Obese Child?
According to Dr Chopra, any child whose body mass index (BMI) is significantly higher than other children of his age and sex is defined as obese. The calculated BMI is plotted on BMI-for-age charts to categorise children into underweight, healthy, overweight and obese.
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Triggers Of Childhood Obesity
Dr Chopra shared his insights on various triggers that could possibly cause childhood obesity.
1. Unhealthy Diet: The rising trend of eating fast and processed food and sugary snacks is resulting in a lack of nutrition in kids. Dr Chopra said, “Poor dietary choices, characterised by high consumption of refined carbohydrates, sugars, and fats, contribute significantly to childhood obesity.”
2. Sedentary Lifestyle: Developments in technology and change in societal norms are leading to sedentary activities in kids such as watching television, playing video games, using smartphones and other electronic gadgets. Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction in your child.
Also read: Signs Of Childhood Obesity: What Parents Can Do
3. Genetic Factors: In some cases, obesity from parents is transferred to kids due to inherited genetics leading to weight gain and metabolic disbalances. To avoid this in your children, it is important to tackle obesity before planning a child.
4. Environmental Influences: Surprisingly, urbanisation also plays a role in obesity as cultiral norms influence dietary habits and physical activity patterns. Dr Chopra said, “Major concerns in urban areas that contribute to unhealthy lifestyles can be limited access to healthy food and inadequate recreational facilities.”
5. Psychological Factors: Emotional factors such as stress, depression, and low self-esteem can lead to overeating and unhealthy eating behaviours in children, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
Complications of Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity can lead to many complications in children in future. Dr Chopra helped us identify a few.
1. Metabolic Syndrome: Childhood obesity can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome which is a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, spiked blood sugar levels, imbalance in cholesterol levels and excessive abdominal fats. Metabolic syndrome predisposes children to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Orthopaedic Problems: As per Dr Chopra, being overweight can place an increased stress on the musculoskeletal system leading to orthopaedic problems like joint pain, arthritis, and other bone related problems.
3. Psychosocial Consequences: Obese children may experience problems like being bullied, poor self-esteem, underconfidence and all these factors can lead to depression, and anxiety.
4. Respiratory Disorders: Dr Chopra said, “Obesity is associated with respiratory complications such as obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, and hypoventilation syndrome. Respiratory problems can impact sleep quality, cognitive function, and overall well-being in children.”
Other complications like early puberty, kidney problems, fatty liver, skin problems can be caused due to obesity.
Conclusion
Concluding, Dr Chopra said, “In my view, the growing menace of childhood obesity can be halted only by combined individual and community initiatives. Dietary modifications along with enhanced physical activity implemented at the school level have shown reassuring results. Parents and teachers should exhibit healthy eating and energetic lifestyles to become role models that influence young minds. These healthy behaviours spill into other aspects of their lives for the evolution of a healthier society.”