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Will consider declaring obesity a disease: CM Manohar Parrikar

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Will consider declaring obesity a disease: CM Manohar Parrikar

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Manohar Parrikar

COLVA: Chief minister Manohar Parrikar took note of the suggestions by International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorder - Asia Pacific chapter (IFSO-APC), during a recent congress on obesity, and said that Goa would think on the lines of Maharsahtra and consider declaring obesity as a disease. He, however, insisted that more research is needed before declaring it so.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is considered a 'patron' in dealing with obesity as a serious issue in his state, said he knows what obesity is as he has been fighting it for years.

He also reiterated that it is a lifestyle disease which has affected every section of the society. Like diabetes, it is also a silent killer. But the masses tend to go in a denial mode. The stigma that is associated with 'diabesity' (diabetics and obesity) needs to change through awareness and education, and this has to start in schools as obesity in students has increased to a large extent.

Fadnavis said his government has undertaken that journey and it is his endeavour to make medical intervention more accessible and affordable. He urged the federation to make the 'strategic statement' of the conference available to his government so that Maharashtra can set set an example to other states in the country.

Parrikar, on the other hand, said that he was surprised to find that waste in Goa have high contents of heavy metals, such as nickel and cadmium, which indicate the kin of food that is being sold in the market for human consumption.

The conference on obesity was held in collaboration of the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India (OSSICON).

Dr Jayasshree Todkkar, orgainizing secretary of IFSO-APC 2017, said that there is steep decline in the quality and length of life in recent years due to obesity. She said, at the moment, 80 million Indians have diabetics and 25 millions are suffering from obesity. And if corrective measures are not taken by 2025, India would be the second largest country in the world to have the highest obese population.

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Will consider declaring obesity a disease: CM Manohar Parrikar - Times of India

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COLVA: Chief minister Manohar Parrikar took note of the suggestions by International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorder - Asia Pacific chapter (IFSO-APC), during a recent congress on obesity, and said that Goa would think on the lines of Maharsahtra and consider declaring obesity as a disease.

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No. 1 in underweight population, India among top 5 in obesity

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No. 1 in underweight population, India among top 5 in obesity

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Subodh Varma | TNN | Apr 2, 2016, 06.00 AM IST

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While India and China continue to have the largest number of underweight people in the world, both the countries have also broken into the top five in terms of obesity, a new study published in The Lancet jorunal has found.
With 102 million men and 101 million women underweight, India leads the world in being home to over 40% of the global underweight population. China is a distant second with about 8% of underweight men and over 12% of underweight women.

However, India has also seen a surge in obesity . It had 0.4 million obese men, or 1.3% of the global obese popula tion in 1975, but in 2014, it zoomed into the fifth position with 9.8 million obese men, or 3.7% of the global population.Among women, India has jumped to the third rank with 20 million obese women (5.3% of global population). China has followed a si milar trajectory to In dia when it comes to obesity, rising from 13th rank in 1975 for men and 10th among women to the first rank in 2014 for both men and women. It now has the most number of obese persons in the world edging out the US.

"If these trends continue, by 2025, global obesity prevalence will reach 18% in men and surpass 21% in women; severe obesity will surpass 6% in men and 9% in women," the study , led by Majid Ezzati, professor at the School of Public Health, Imperial College London said.

"Nonetheless, underweight remains prevalent in the world's poorest regions, espe cially in south Asia," it added.

The study used data from national and smaller studies representing 19.2 million adults from 186 countries to arrive at its conclusions. It used the standard definitions of underweight (Body Mass Index less than 18.5 kg per sqm) and obesity (BMI greater than 30 kg per sqm). BMI is a ratio of weight and height, standardised to various age groups.

Both underweight and obesity are well known causes for several fatal condi tions like heart diseases, diabetes and others.

Globally , underweight population has declined while obese population has increased since 1975, the study found. In 1975, 13.8% men and 14.6% women were underweight. These proportions declined to 8.8% for men and 9.7% for women in 2014. Obese population shares were just 3.2% for men and 6.4% for women in 1975 which have risen to 10.8% for men and 14.9% for women in 2014.

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No. 1 in underweight population, India among top 5 in obesity - Times of India

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With 102 million men and 101 million women underweight, India leads the world in being home to over 40% of the global underweight population. China is a distant second with about 8% of underweight men and over 12% of underweight women.

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One in every five children in urban Bengal are overweight

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One in every five children in urban Bengal are overweight

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KOLKATA: Around 20% of children in urban Bengal are overweight. Many grow up as obese adults due to which they have the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and coronary artery diseases.

"About 50% to 80% obese children grow up as obese adults with a number of health issues that prevent them from leading a normal and healthy life. A plump child is considered to be healthy and cute which is far from truth. The adverse effects of childhood obesity include high blood pressure, high blood sugar and heart diseases," saud Dr Subrata Dey, senior consultant paediatrician and endocrinologist, Apollo Hospitals.

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine India has about 14.4 million obese children. The study also links the effects of excess weight to other non-communicable diseases.

"If a child is severely obese, there is the need to check genetic and endocrine problem. We need to encourage children to take up sports and other outdoor activities on regular basis. Few obese children need to undergo bariatric surgery. When all measures of weight loss fail, as a last resort they can undergo surgery for weight loss," Dr Dey added.

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One in every five children in urban Bengal are overweight - Times of India

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Representative image. KOLKATA: Around 20% of children in urban Bengal are overweight. Many grow up as obese adults due to which they have the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and coronary artery diseases. "About 50% to 80% obese children grow up as obese adults with a number of health issues that prevent them from leading a normal and healthy life.

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Childhood obesity has increased in recent years. Most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Although weight problems run in families, not all children with a family history of obesity will be overweight. The most important factors underlying the obesity epidemic are the current opportunities for food intake coupled with limited energy expenditure.

Consumption of sweetened beverages and the frequency of large portions of energy-dense food would increase the risk. Fast-food restaurants have a relative abundance of energy-dense food and sweetened beverages. Consumption of low-energy-dense food, such as fruits, salads and increased calcium intake has also been associated with a lower risk of obesity.

The presence of obesity in childhood greatly increases the risk of developing diabetes in young adulthood and heart problems in later life.

Obesity also adversely affects the hormonal development of the child. Girls tend to develop earlier puberty and menarche, along with irregularities in their menstrual cycles and also develop facial hair. Boys, on the other hand, have an impaired development of their external genitalia and tend to have enlargement of their 'breast' region.

The likelihood of an obese child becoming an obese adult increases with the age of the child. Multiple studies have shown the association of pediatric and adolescent obesity with obesity in adults. Almost half of overweight adults were overweight as children. Previous findings from the Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS) revealed that being overweight during childhood was an important determinant of cardiovascular risk factors in young adulthood. Thus, prevention as well as treatment of being overweight and obesity in adulthood necessitates the detection of children who are likely to become overweight as adults.

It is necessary to teach children to follow healthy eating habits and the importance of physical exercise since childhood. Encourage healthy eating by increasing serving of fruits & vegetables. Buy lesser soft drinks & high-fat, high-calorie snacks, making sure the child eats proper nutritional diet every day. Today's healthy child is tomorrow's healthy adult!

Dr. Swapnil Jain, MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Endocrinology), Consultant Endocrinologist, Ghaziabad.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Doctors are their independent professional judgment and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as a substitute for Physician's advice. Please consult your treating Physician for more details.

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What can childhood obesity lead to? - Times of India

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Childhood obesity has increased in recent years. Most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Although weight problems run in families, not all children with a family history of obesity will be overweight.

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Binge-watching television leads poor sleep,obesity and fatigue in young adults, says study

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Binge-watching television leads poor sleep,obesity and fatigue in young adults, says study

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As technology is easing everything, people are now more watching tv online.In this, they indulge in binge watching which means watching multiple consecutive episodes of the same television show in one sitting on a screen, be it a television, laptop, computer or tablet.

A recent study found that Binge-watching television can cause poorer sleep quality, more fatigue, and increased insomnia in young adults. Researchers also found that more than 80 per cent of young adults identified themselves as a binge-watcher, with 20.2 per cent of them binge-watching at least a few times a week.According to experts, people eat more while watching episodes that lead to obesity which, in turn, causes depression owing to weight stigma and poor self-esteem.

Those who identified as a binge-watcher reported more fatigue, more symptoms of insomnia, poorer sleep quality and greater alertness prior to going to sleep. A detailed analysis found that binge-watchers had a 98 per cent higher tendency of having poor sleep quality compared with those who are not binge- watcher."We found that the more often young people binge-watch, the higher their cognitive pre-sleep arousal," said Liese Exelmans, the doctoral candidate at the University of Leuven in Belgium.

The study involved 423 young adults who were 18 to 25 years old, with an average age of 22 years. Sixty-two per cent of participants were women, and 74 per cent were students.They completed an online survey assessing regular television viewing, binge-watching, sleep quality, fatigue, insomnia, and pre-sleep alertness. "Bingeable shows often have a complex narrative structure that makes viewers become completely immersed into the story," said Jan Van den Bulck, a professor at the University of Michigan. This intense engagement with television content could require a longer period to 'cool down' before going to sleep, thus affecting sleep overall.

According to researchers, this habit negatively affected sleep quality, fatigue, and insomnia. so techniques such as relaxation and mindfulness could be valuable to target sleep problems associated with binge-watching.

First Published: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 04:33 PM

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Binge-watching television leads poor sleep,obesity and fatigue in young adults, says study - News Nation

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As technology is easing everything, people are now more watching tv online.In this, they indulge in binge watching which means watching multiple consecutive episodes of the same television show in one sitting on a screen, be it a television, laptop, computer or tablet.

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PUNE: The number of overweight or obese children has increased by about 50% in the last three decades, according to paediatric endocrinologist Annika Janson.

"In India, it is estimated that over 5 % of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and the prevalence is higher in urban areas and in families belonging to higher socio-economic strata," she said while delivering her key note address at the International Diabetes Summit here on Sunday.

Rapid changes in lifestyle, less physical activity and intake of more calories were reasons, Janson of Karolinska University hospital, Sweden, said, adding that it has dramatically increased the incidence of type 2 diabetes among children.

"There is no comprehensive population-based data on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among children in India. But reports from certain centres speak of increasing occurrence. The estimates in US for new cases of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents stand at 30-50%. In Sweden, it still constitutes less than 2% of cases," she said.

Obesity surgery has a prompt effect on type 2 diabetes and is increasingly used for young patients, usually in the framework of controlled studies to evaluate the effect, Janson said.

Chief endocrinologist A G Unnikrishnan said tackling obesity in childhood is important.

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Study finds more kids growing obese - Times of India

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Representative image PUNE: The number of overweight or obese children has increased by about 50% in the last three decades, according to paediatric endocrinologist Annika Janson.

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No child’s play! Cut the flab before it’s too late

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No child’s play! Cut the flab before it’s too late

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Nuclear families with working parents, the wide availability of processed foods and a lack of awareness have led to a dangerous rise in childhood obesity. One in every nine children suffers from obesity, in a country where 'chubby' is associated with 'cuteness' and parents, who tend to overfeed their babies are unwilling to accept the gravity of the situation. Only a handful of children diagnosed with obesity are treated despite the fact that it can lead to chronic illnesses like diabetes, apart from a host of other complications. Awareness and the regulation of ads for processed foods that claim to be 'healthy' will go a long way in curbing obesity, reports Joyeeta Chakravorty.
Ananya (name changed) sits with her mother in the waiting room at Manipal Hospital. At the age of 10, Ananya weighs 75 kilos; her BMI is 95 percentile. Diagnosed with Cushings Syndrome, caused by prolonged exposure to cortisol usually due to a malfunction in the pituitary gland, Ananya gained weight rapidly, hovering at around 85 kilos as treatment began. This meant she could no longer take part in extracurricular activities or sports; name-calling and bullying were commonplace too, explains her distraught mother.

Still, she is more fortunate than others like herself. The tumour was successfully removed by Dr Bhaskar Shenoy and his team at Manipal; Ananya has already shed 10 kilos and is well on her way to losing the rest, backed by treatment at the hospital and her own lifestyle changes. Today, she is slowly but surely assimilating herself back into the rigours of school life, which, she admits has proved a challenge in the past. A 13-year-old dengue patient is battling for her life, trying to throw off an illness as she struggles with the challenges of obesity.

Childhood obesity, with its myriad causes, is on the rise in Bengaluru. Dr N. Kavitha Bhat, Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist at Rainbow Children Hospital sees nearly 50 children suffering from obesity every month! "There are many different types, but lifestyle modified obesity is the most common," she said. The trials and tribulations of a consumer-driven society are becoming apparent; "Toddlers are force-fed, so their BMI is much higher than it should be. Force-feeding has to stop. Also, processed and junk foods are all the rage. Many of these claim to be healthy, but of course they're aren't."

It's important to note, says Ananya's mother, that the families of these children are battling the repercussions of the disease too, in a society that refuses to sensitise itself to the trials of dealing with obesity. "Society needs to be more understanding," she said. "Moreover, parents need to shed their ignorance too and act before it is too late. There has been an upsurge in the number of obesity cases, perhaps also because chubbiness is an indication of good health in Indian culture."

This is crucial, for obesity can result in a host of other chronic problems including diabetes, metabolic disorders, social isolation, asthma etc. "Body shaming is rampant," she added. "Poking fun at obese people, especially children, who are too young to understand what is happening to them. It might even lead to long-term mental trauma. More sensitivity and a better understanding of the disease is necessary."

Ananya's case is still a more fortunate one. A 13-year-old dengue patient is battling for her life, trying to throw off an illness as she struggles with the challenges of obesity. "The complications increase with obesity. Parents should be made aware of this and also of the fact that the concurrent illness is likely to be more severe and complicated too," said Dr Bhaskar Shenoy, Senior Consultant Pediatrician, Manipal Hospitals. Around 20 of out of every 100 patients who walk into his clinic suffer from obesity. All of them are between the age group of one and five. "Patients don't want to accept their condition," he said. "Only 20% of the patients diagnosed with obesity come back for a review and a minute proportion of this number actually listens enough to seek treatment."
EPODE methodology and its goals and actions to be taken

Controlling the sale of foods in public institutions to ensure that only healthy foods are available in schools and preschools

Controls on food and drinks advertising on TV, the Internet and in schools

Mandatory nutritional information labeling that is clear and easy for the consumer to understand

Common Agricultural Policy reform and subsidies on healthy foods, i.e., fruit and vegetables

Improve training for health professionals so that they are able to recognise and diagnose obesity risks in infancy, childhood, and adolescence. It is also important that professionals are able to offer advice without appearing prejudiced or patronising.

21 percent kids in bengaluru are obese: Address Health study
A recent study conducted by AddressHealth a primary healthcare for children, stated that 20.7 percent kids in Bengaluru schools are overweight or obese. In a report titled 'AddressHealth's School Health Check Findings-2016', the company listed down the findings based on screenings of nearly one lakh children in over 100 schools from Bangalore in 2016. The study also highlights that nearly 1 in 7 children have waistlines (waist to height ratio 0.5), which put them at risk of lifestyle diseases such as coronary heart disease or diabetes, in their adult life. Dental hygiene is not accorded much importance even by middle class parents with nearly one third of children, having dental caries. Moreover, the study identified that 13.6% children are suffering with vision problems.

What can one do
1. Promote physical activity

Encourage informal physical activity (walking/cycling taking the stairs, skipping, skating)·

Encourage participation in organised physical activities like sports, dance, martial arts·

Do not EVER withhold active play as

punishment·

Not more than 2 hours of TV/ Mobile/ Virtual Games in a day.

2. Promote healthy eating

Educate how food advertisements mislead viewers·

Increase water intake and decrease packaged high sugar drinks (colas/ fruit juices)·

Supervise children when eating. Have at least one family meal in a day.

Give fancy names to dishes. Heighten the expectations of taste by giving attractive and· catchy names to healthy dishes.

Increase visibility of healthy foods.·

Never use foods rich in fats· & sugars as a reward for good behaviour, as it confuses children about the right choices.

If you suspect your child is overweight/ obese, it is best to consult a doctor.

Dr. Shabeer Ahmed, Consultant Gastrointestinal,
Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road.
Childhood obesity is a multifactorial problem, no one wants to take the blame. The causes can be biological, social and behavioural. We think 'chubby' is cute and tend to make babies fat by overfeeding them. Obesity starts at a very early age, between 6-8 months. Urban kids as they are more prone to obesity as they are exposed to ready made food and fast food. Also, busy parents find shortcuts to feed the kids by opting for packaged food (like 2 min noodles, chocos etc) instead of cooking healthy food at home. Government and schools have to take initiatives on fast foods. There should be discipline is food habits.

'Eating is now seen as a form of entertainment'
Numbers are on the rise and so is research. The internet abounds with studies and workshops on childhood obesity, urging people to take cognisance of the issue and adopt the necessary precautions (or treatment, as the case may be). A recent study conducted by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) stressed on the need for mandated and marked Physical Education in across grades in schools. Researchers also called for an assessment of the food industry legislation, recommending the identification and inclusion of 'acceptable' junk foods as well as yoga and exercise."Junk food is a big thing, there are so many biscuits, for instance, packaged and advertised as high in fibre and nutritional content. The truth is, it's all junk. Parents should stay away from processed foods as far as possible and anything that can be prepared for consumption in two minutes or less definitely isn't healthy," advises Dr N Kavitha Bhat, Consultant Pediatric Endocrinologist at Rainbow Children Hospital.

Eating, however, is now a form of entertainment instead of a means of sustenance. "The increase in the number of restaurants that serve fast food and the lack of sports are the main reasons behind the tremendous increase in childhood obesity over the last ten years," explains Dr S M Prasad, Assistant Professor, Dr BR Ambedkar Medical College and Chairperson of Bangalore Adolescent Health Academy. He adds that many schools don't even have adequate space for playgrounds. "Awareness on healthy foods and what works for your body should start at the school level. There should also be some control on the advertisement of junk foods," he adds.

"Processed foods brought in from the West are a major part of the problem. Traditionally, Indian food is healthy. Parents should also ensure that kids don't skip breakfast, are fed a lot of fruits and green leafy vegetables. Commercial foods should be avoided as they are high on empty calories," says Dr Bhaskar Shenoy, Manipal. "There should be stricter control over the availability of these foods. Today, everyone has access to the products, so policies that reduce the sale and promotion of these foods should considered. Schools should also start spreading awareness."

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indian council for medical research (icmr)

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No child's play! Cut the flab before it's too late

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Nuclear families with working parents, the wide availability of processed foods and a lack of awareness have led to a dangerous rise in childhood obesity. One in every nine children suffers from obesity, in a country where 'chubby' is associated with 'cuteness' and parents, who tend to overfeed their babies are unwilling to accept the gravity of the situation.

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Does you child stay up late at night? It could result in obesity

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Does you child stay up late at night? It could result in obesity

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WASHINGTON: Parents, you may want to put your kids to bed early as a recent study has linked late bedtime to weight gain.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that Chinese children who go to bed later and sleep less are more likely to be more overweight.

The study also indicated that later bedtimes may place children at increased risk of obesity - even if they are getting 'enough' sleep over the course of the night.

Birmingham's research into the sleeping habits of 2,795 youngsters, aged 9 to 12, from the city of Guangzhou, in southern China, showed a link between sleep duration and the amount of body fat.

Research indicated that the Chinese children were sleeping less than youngsters in the United States and Europe, who had participated in similar studies - differences which may be a result of a focus on studying and academic achievement in China.

In the study, scientists worked with Chinese counterparts at Sun Yat-Sen University and Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Their findings showed that children sleeping longer have lower Body Mass Index (BMI) scores than those sleeping less. For every hour later that a child goes to bed, their BMI score increases by a small amount.

Although the differences in BMI scores seem insignificant, there is evidence that even a small change in BMI score is clinically important and associated with significant change in health outcomes.

There is increasing evidence showing that high-quality, adequate sleep is important for an overall healthy body, whilst sleep duration has been decreasing over time among children and adolescents.

Researcher Peymané Adab said that the study contributes to existing evidence for sleep duration as a risk factor for obesity in childhood, and later bedtime as an additional risk factor - regardless of sleep duration.

"Children in this study were getting less sleep than reported for children of similar ages in Western countries, plus their usual bedtime was relatively later than expected. These differences are likely to be cultural and due to the overemphasis on studying and academic achievement in China."

She added that behaviours which can contribute to obesity, such as TV watching and snacking, were more common in the later evening. Abnormalities in children's sleep-wake patterns might also contribute to the problem

The study appears in the Journal of Epidemiology.

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Does you child stay up late at night? It could result in obesity

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WASHINGTON: Parents, you may want to put your kids to bed early as a recent study has linked late bedtime to weight gain. Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that Chinese children who go to bed later and sleep less are more likely to be more overweight.

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It cannot be denied that childhood obesity is on the rise. Chew on the following statistics sourced from the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism :

- Somewhere between 5.74 per cent and 8.82 per cent of schoolchildren in India are obese.
- In urban south India, 21.4 per cent boys and 18.5 per cent girls aged 13-18 are either overweight or obese.

Worldwide, in the year 2000, the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) declared about 10 per cent of children aged 5-17 (about 155 million) were overweight, out of which two to three per cent (30 to 45 million) were obese.

Among the reasons for childhood obesity were ubiquitous processed foods, fast foods, and foods that don't unfortunately love your child back as much as your child loves them. Add that to the fact outdoor activities have been replaced by digital ones, and you have a scenario where children are eating more calories than they can expend. But while we'll get into ways of getting your child have better nutrition in subsequent articles, I just wanted to use this space to clear some misconceptions surrounding children and weight gain:

Chubby baby isn't always a healthy one

There's this notion that a chubby baby is a healthy one. But a baby only needs so much nutrition for growth and development, and the more fat a child stores, the greater the tendency to store fat as the child gets older. Keep checking in with your paediatrician to make sure the baby isn't biting off more than he can chew.

An overweight child is prone to being an overweight adult

Overweight children are far more likely to grow up to be overweight adults. Comprehensive studies over the years have made clear the linkage between obesity in children and corresponding obesity in adults. Likewise, research has also shown the link between overweight children and sick adults.

Children can grow into their height

Not all of it is bad news, though. Overweight children - especially overweight younger children - can grow into their height. Which means that if a child seems to be tipping the scales at a relatively young age, the chances are that as s/he gets taller, the weight gained will simply redistribute itself and even things out. This may not hold true for children who have already reached their full height, or close to it. Consult your paediatrician about a healthy, calorie-controlled diet.

Which brings me to my last point. When it comes to childhood obesity, to eat or not to eat is not really the question. Because weight gain in children can never be countered with extreme diets or persistent criticism about being overweight.

Overweight children need both food and love, and a healthy dose of understanding. With good nutrition, exercise, and a lot of support, they can learn how to develop healthy eating habits and live happy, healthy lives.

by Pooja Makhija
Consulting Nutritionist & Clinical Dietician

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It cannot be denied that childhood obesity is on the rise. Chew on the following statistics sourced from the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism : - Somewhere between 5.74 per cent and 8.82 per cent of schoolchildren in India are obese.

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Mumbai kids prone to excess weight and obesity

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Mumbai kids prone to excess weight and obesity

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India is already the third most obese country in the world and recent trends show that in another eight years it will go higher up in the rank. City doctors give us a low-down on how to battle weight issues among adolescents.

Weight gain and obesity in children and adolescents is more than just a serious issue because of the consequences it has. Invariably, obesity leads to health deterioration, psychological problems and social isolation. The important thing to consider here is that mostly these children are not responsible for their food selection.

Doctors in Mumbai feel that the only way to control the menace of childhood obesity is for the parents to rise up to occasion and be a role model for youngsters. It is time to inculcate habits of eating healthy and exercising regularly.

Children can't be expected to give up on unhealthy food if that is what is served to them daily.

Alarming statistics
India is the third most obese country in the world. It is showing increasing incidence of over-weight children and adolescents especially in urban areas and several studies highlight this trend.

According to available statistics, Mumbai has seen a marked increase in the prevalence of over-weight adolescent children in the last few years.

More than 15 million children are estimated to be overweight in urban India. Figures published by the World Obesity Federation last year indicate that if the current trends continue, in another eight years, 268 million school-aged children (age five years to 17.9 years) worldwide, will suffer excess body weight.

Senior metabolic and bariatric surgeon Dr Ramen Goel says, "According to a study published in an international journal on paediatric obesity, by 2025, India will have over 17 million obese children and stand second among 184 countries."

Obesity can lead to lifestyle diseases
Senior interventional cardiologist Dr Nilesh Gautam says, "The extra kilos put kids at risk for developing serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Excess weight also leads to lethargy, slow movement avoidance of sports, physical activity and thus leading to low self-esteem, negative body image, and even depression."

Senior metabolic and bariatric surgeon Dr Ramen Goel adds, "It has been seen that many young obese develop blood pressure and even heart attacks at a young age."

Eating smart is the right mantra
Nutritionists say that one should identify healthy snacks and stock up on them up. Clinical nutritionist Dr Nupur Krishnan says that choosing puffed chips instead of fried ones, wheat or soya biscuits instead of the maida ones, or nuts and dry fruits instead of cream biscuits would be great. Experts feel that fresh seasonal fruits, freshly prepared juice along with the pulp, should always be chosen over aerated drinks. Popcorn that is unbuttered or non-caramelised, can work as a snack for kids.

Parents should help develop the child's taste for steamed, grilled food instead of fried stuff. Being vigilant about the food that they is essential, advice nutritionists. Clinical nutritionist Pooja Makhija says, "Maintaining portion sizes and sticking to a particular time for meals and the in-between snacks always help." Experts say that having five to six mini meals help to keep up the metabolism.

Senior paediatrician Dr Jayesh Sheth says, "Teaching your child to eat slowly and to chew in-between mouthfuls is important. Never feed your kid when the television is on, or if she /she is busy playing on a digital device." Avoid serving unhealthy snacks, readymade or instant foods. Encourage your child to drink a lot of water and have wholesome home cooked meals.

Experts say that making healthier food choices like fresh fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, whole grain cereal high in fiber and low in sugar, and low-fat milk instead of sugary cereals, donuts, or toaster pastries can help prevent obesity.

Consequences of obesity in childhood
Obese children are more likely to develop a variety of health problems as adults. These include cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance (often an early sign of impending diabetes), musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis - a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints), some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon) and disability.

Keep in mind

Oil, butter, ghee and cheese intake should be restricted. A 10 or even 50 per cent reduction generally does not help since the intake is many times more than required.

White flour made products must be completely stopped to avoid blood sugar spikes and diabetes in future.

Sweets, chocolate intake should be restricted too for similar reasons. These products not only result in weight gain but lead to hormonal imbalance and hardening of blood vessels.

PSST...
Your BMI is a tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on your height. The BMI 'number' informs you if you are underweight, of normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, due to the wide variety of body types, it is not appropriate to use this as the final indication for diagnosis.
Did you know?

Sugar is hidden in foods as diverse as bread, canned soups, pasta sauce, frozen dinners, fast food and ketchup.

Exercising regularly is of utmost importance. Participating in sports like badminton, tennis, basketball and swimming can help. Children who sit too much and move too little, are at the highest risk for becoming overweight. Kids need an hour of exercise daily for optimum health.

Serve a heavy breakfast to your child every day.

Focus on healthy choices like reducing the amount of candy and desserts you and your child eat.

In India, our intake of sweets and sweetened drinks (sherbets, lemon water [nimbu-pani], etc.) is naturally very high. The body gets all it needs from sugar naturally occurring in food-so anything added amounts to nothing but a lot of empty calories so avoid it.

Reducing screen time is essential. The less time your children spend watching TV, playing video games, or using computers or mobile devices, the more time they'll spend on active pastimes. Remember how important it is for you to be a positive role model-so you may have to cut down on your own viewing habits, too.

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Mumbai kids prone to excess weight and obesity - Times of India

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India is already the third most obese country in the world and recent trends show that in another eight years it will go higher up in the rank. City doctors give us a low-down on how to battle weight issues among adolescents.

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Obesity among children in Bangalore is on the rise

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Obesity among children in Bangalore is on the rise

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The rising prevalence of childhood obesity is slowly, but surely becoming a cause of serious public concern, with doctors the world over deeming it as a growing epidemic. Recent studies point towards a worrying trend -that obesity among kids is on the rise, with as many as 13% of kids in the city being obese and overweight. A recent WHO-commissioned study was found that nearly 13.1% of kids (girls aged 9-18 years) in the city were overweight, while another cross-sectional study found that 27.1% of schoolchildren were overweight, and 13.7% were obese.

"People are hardly paying heed to these trends and the rising levels of obesity are due to a number of factors, ranging from modern-day lifestyles to food habits and genetics. For children, it becomes critical unless parents and schools take stock of the situation and realize the graveness of the circumstances," says Dr Ranjini Harish, one of the researchers in the WHO-commissioned study . She adds that unless steps are taken, this figure will continue to be on the rise.

The cross-sectional study , conducted on nearly 4,000 school children in the city in the age group of 3-17 years, found that 13.7% children were obese. The percentage of overweight children was highest among primary kids (40.5%), followed by those in secondary (33.3%) and kindergarten (35%). Meanwhile, the percentage of overweight and obesity was higher among boys as compared to girls, showing that as many as 40.8% of schoolchildren were overweight and obese.

Dr Gore Chaitali Ashutosh of the Department of Community Medicine, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, who was a corresponding author in the study , says that maintaining a diet for children is not easy . Schools play a critical role in supporting healthy behaviours in the form of healthy eating and promoting physical activity. "At the family level, parents need to be role models by living a healthy lifestyle, and in schools, more physical education periods (three or more) and structured physical activity is needed," she says.

Meanwhile, Dr Viswanathan Mohan, chairman and chief of diabetology at a diabetes specialty center, who was also one of the researchers in the WHO-commissioned study , which found that children in the south are slimmer than those in the north, says that the analysis shows that obesity rates in children and adolescents are increasing, not just among the higher socio-economic groups, but also in the lower income groups where being underweight still remains a major concern. "This suggests the need for a balanced and sensitive approach while addressing economic and nutrition transitions to effectively tackle this double burden paradox in India," he says.

Fitness experts believe that such surveys are real eye openers for parents and schools, who must come together to challenge the increasing levels of inactivity and sedenary lifestyles among school-going children.

And it is schools that remain the best sources of intervention to implement a structured sports programme that will help improve the fitness standards in children.

Effects and causes of childhood obesity
Obesity in children is a condition in which a child's more-than-usual amount of body fat negatively affects health and general wellbeing.The child may develop diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, early puberty, skin infections, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Childhood obesity is mainly caused by junk food habits, combined with the absence of exercise. Genetics may also play a role.

Health and Fitness survey

An annual health and fitness survey by city- based physical education and school sports enterprise (in which the fitness parameters measured included sprint capacity, endurance, flexibility, lower and upper body strength, abdominal strength, abdominal strength, and Body Mass Index), found out that...

- Two in five kids don't have a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index).

- One in five kids don't have the adequate endurance capacity.

- Three in 10 kids don't have the desired sprint capacity.

- One in four kids don't have the desired flexibility.

The survey also showed that 64% girls have healthier BMI results compared to 58% boys. However, within the other parameters of abdominal strength, sprint capacity and upper and lower body strength, the scores did not vary a lot between boys and girls, but in the case of lower body strength, boys outscored girls.

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Obesity among children in Bangalore is on the rise - Times of India

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The rising prevalence of childhood obesity is slowly, but surely becoming a cause of serious public concern, with doctors the world over deeming it as a growing epidemic. Recent studies point towards a worrying trend -that obesity among kids is on the rise, with as many as 13% of kids in the city being obese and overweight.

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NEW DELHI: Even as the prevalence of childhood obesity is approaching a plateau in western high-income countries, the trend is rapidly increasing in developing Asian countries like India and China, latest estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) showed. The agency said the trend is particularly alarming because the obesity epidemic has the potential to negate many of the health benefits that have been achieved so far.
India, which is already is the third most obese country in the world, is showing increasing incidence of over-weight children and adolescents in urban areas. Latest estimates show prevalence of obesity among adolescents (13-18 years) has grown from 16% to 29% over the last five years.

READ ALSO: Over 50% liver donors have fatty organ

Several other studies conducted in India also highlight the trend. More than 15 million children are estimated to be overweight in urban India. However, experts say the prevalence is still far lower in rural India.

Globally, the prevalence of obesity in children (under 19 years) has increased by almost 50% between 1980 to 2013, according to WHO Commission, which recently tabled an Interim report on 'Ending Childhood Obesity' and called for stakeholder consultation from member countries, including India.

The interim report points out that worldwide 42 million children were affected by obesity in 2013, whereas in Asia, the prevalence rate in 2010 was 4.9% equating to approximately 18 million children. "If current trends continue, over 70 million infants and young children will be overweight or obese by 2025, the vast majority living in low- and middle-income countries. These countries have had high rates of child undernutrition and stunting, but now the rates of childhood adiposity are also rising rapidly," the report said.

Obesity is particularly worrying in children because it is associated with a wide range of health complications and an increased risk of premature onset of illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease.

"Childhood obesity tracks into adulthood, and is an important risk factor for the development later in life of type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, subclinical inflammation, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease," says Dr Anoop Misra, a leading endocrinologist and chairman of Fortis-C-DOC Hospital for diabetes.

According to Misra, the prevalence of obesity among children is, however, expected to be much higher than what has been estimated by global agencies. "There is very limited data available from India and many other developing countries," he said, adding the burden is likely to be higher in India as compared to western countries because here the risk of obesity starts at lower weight as against most countries where the body mass index (BMI) is on the higher side.

The interim report by WHO also highlights that many children, who are not currently defined as obese by BMI-for-age, may nonetheless be on the path to obesity. "In many populations individuals across the distribution of BMI are fatter than before, i.e., the obesogenic environment has adverse effects on those not conventionally defined as obese," it says.

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Obesity among Indian teens swells - Times of India

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NEW DELHI: Even as the prevalence of childhood obesity is approaching a plateau in western high-income countries, the trend is rapidly increasing in developing Asian countries like India and China, latest estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) showed.

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Maharashtra bans junk food in school canteens, cites obesity fears

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Maharashtra bans junk food in school canteens, cites obesity fears

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MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has banned the sale of junk food in school canteens. Based on recommendations the Centre issued over two years ago, the state has told schools not to sell food `High in Fat, Salt and Sugar' (HFSS) and has suggested healthy alternatives. The decision has been taken looking at childhood obesity+ and related diseases.

"HFSS food has very little vitamins and minerals... (Their consumption raises the chance of obesity) and other related diseases among children. The ef fects can be seen on a child's academic performance," said the government resolution issued by the school education department. School principals have been asked to ensure that the instructions are followed.

The suggested alternatives include chapatis, rice, vegetables and pulses, rajma, wheat upma, khichdi, payasam, idli and vada sambar, coconut water, lemonade and jaljeera. Though not many state-affiliated schools have canteens, the education department's government resolution (GR) banning junk food in schools can be interpreted to include vendors who sell prepackaged or pre-cooked food on campus during breaks.

Concerned by food children eat, the Union ministry of women and child development (MWCD) formed a committee under the director of the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad. The panel noted that HFSS (High in Fat, Salt and Sugar) food increased chances of obesity, diabetes, and dental and heart problems.

Schools have also been asked to create awareness among children+ about healthy eating. "(They) must take help of professionals in the locality and (seek) information on the internet," said the GR.

Experts have welcomed the state's move. "The human body is not designed to metabolise large amounts of artificial sugar and this is easily converted to fat. It is also linked to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes," said Carlyne Remedios, a nutritionist with Saifee Hospital. She said that while it isn't easy to strike the right balance with healthy food, it is not impossible and."The best way is to make gradual changes so that they are accepted well."

Experts also wished the move had come much earlier."There was always the science to show that HFSS food had negative health effects on children, and so we should have realized the need for a policy decision two or three years ago," said Dr Jagmeet Madan, VP , Indian Dietetic Association."Nevertheless, it is a welcome step and the least we can do is to minimize the availability of such food to children. "

The Centre's recommendations were issued in December 2014. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) was the first to implement the MWCD's report. It issued directives to affiliated schools in January 2016. CBSE also suggested that a school canteen management committee ( SCMC) should take charge of menu preparation. CBSE wanted 7-10 panel members, including teachers, parents, students and school canteen operators, to implement the guidelines.

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national institute of nutrition hyderabad

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Abhishek Choudhari and Vinamrata Borwankar

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Maharashtra bans junk food in school canteens, cites obesity fears - Times of India

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MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has banned the sale of junk food in school canteens. Based on recommendations the Centre issued over two years ago, the state has told schools not to sell food `High in Fat, Salt and Sugar' (HFSS) and has suggested healthy alternatives.

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India has second highest number of obese children in world: Study

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India has second highest number of obese children in world: Study

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We have to do something... Can't let India's children at risk...

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India has the second highest number of obese children in the world after China, according to an alarming study which found that 14.4 million kids in the country have excess weight.

Globally, over two billion children and adults suffer from children and adults suffer from health problems related to being obese, and an increasing number die from these conditions, researchers said.

However, of the four million deaths attributed to excess body weight in 2015, nearly 40% occurred among people whose body mass index (BMI) fell below the threshold considered "obese".

The findings represent "a disturbing global public health crisis," according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Among the 20 most populous countries, the highest level of obesity among kids and young adults was in the US at nearly 13%; Egypt topped the list for adult obesity at about 35%. Lowest rates were in Bangladesh and Vietnam, respectively , at 1%.

China with 15.3 million and India with 14.4 million had the highest numbers of obese children; the US with 79.4 million and China with 57.3 million had the highest numbers of obese adults in 2015.

"People who shrug off weight gain do so at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and other life-threatening conditions," said Christopher Murray , from the University of Washington. The study, which spans 195 countries and territories from 1980 through 2015, includes analyses of other studies on the effects of excess weight and potential links between high BMI and cancers of the oesophagus, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, breast, uterus, kidney , and thyroid, as well as leukaemia.

In 2015, excess weight affected 2.2 billion children and adults worldwide, or 30% of all people.

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India has second highest number of obese children in world: Study - Times of India

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India has the second highest number of obese children in the world after China, according to an alarming study which found that 14.4 million kids in the country have excess weight. Globally, over two billion children and adults suffer from children and adults suffer from health problems related to being obese, and an increasing number die from these conditions, researchers said.

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Punjab, a land of fun and joy now turning into a land of obesity

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More than 40 per cent of the population in Punjab is overweight or obese; just under half the population is at high risk of contracting kidney ailments, and the prevalence rate of diabetes is five per cent higher than the national average.

A first-of-its-kind study conducted by Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research and Punjab government hospitals on risk exposure to noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in the state has come out with these alarming findings.

The "steps" survey was submitted to the state government on Friday, according to a statement put out by PGI with some details of the study.

"The survey has revealed the alarming situation of the state," said Prof. J S Thakur, Department of Community Medicine, PGI, who led the study. 'We have recommended an action plan in the study. The situation may change if they implement our recommendations."

The survey was conducted over 18 months in 22 districts of the state.

Of a sample of 5,400 respondents, 5127 participated in all three steps or phases of the survey - behavioural, biological and measurement. The participants were between 18 and 69 years in 2014-2015. Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar, Patiala, Faridkot and Christian Medical College, Ludhiana were partners in the study along with PGI.

Along with a high prevalence of NCD risk factors in the state, the study found that the factors are present uniformly without any "significant difference by gender or rural urban differences".

According to the study, two-fifths of Punjab is overweight and obese.

"41 per cent of respondents were overweight and obese in the survey ," said Dr Thakur. "If waist circumference is considered, more than 80 per cent of respondents were overweight with central obesity."

The prevalence rate of diabetes was also high (14 per cent), higher than the national nine per cent. The study found more than one-fifth of the adult population having raised triglycerides.

"Albumin creatinine ratio, an indicator of risk for chronic kidney diseases, was 44 per cent of population." said the report.

Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health, Punjab government agreed it is a "serious problem". "We have been taking measures to spread awareness about this and we would take measures in the future as well," she told The Sunday Express. ""It is the public who have to understand the seriousness of the problem."

The study was timely, said Mahajan, as "the information is now in the public domain about how serious the problem is".

The survey pointed to the absence of physical activity among 75 per cent as a reason for obesity, and said this may also be a contributing factor for high prevalence of hypertension (40 per cent) in the state.

The study found 13.1 per cent prevalence of the tobacco habit. It found 27 per cent regular drinkers, with nine percent of them excessive drinkers. It was found that 96% consumed less than the recommended five servings daily of fruits and vegetables.

Raised blood pressure was present in 42 per cent of respondents but they were not undergoing any treatment.
The doctors who have conducted the study have made recommendations to the state government in the report.

Strengthening of health promotion activities in different settings, preventive health screening package, better treatment facilities, effective implementation of NCD in the state are the some of the recommendations in the study. Besides, a draft action plan has also been recommended.

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App

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More than 40 per cent of the population in Punjab is overweight or obese; just under half the population is at high risk of contracting kidney ailments, and the prevalence rate of diabetes is five per cent higher than the national average.

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India is the third most obese country in the world

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India is the third most obese country in the world

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The Growing India - more like the 'obese' India

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According to a study, India is the third most obese country in the world. 'Indians do not take their health seriously, unless they face a health scare', says Dr Sharad Sharma, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon. He explains obesity and diabetes is a rising concern in our country.
Why is India one of the most obese countries?
The incidence of obesity is around 15 to 30 percent in India and at around 50 percent in the US. Because we are one of the most populated countries, the number of obese people is more. Here are 22 ways fat can kill you.
What makes the people of our country obese, even though a greater part of the population is 'below the poverty line'?
We Indians, are very poor protein eaters. Even the non-vegetarians do not consume adequate protein. You need to balance your meal and eat food that has high nutritional value. Foods like vada pav, fritters or bhajiya and even sweets are the cheapest source of calories that you get everywhere. And everyone can afford these foods. Even the sweets that are sold on the street, have a very high sugar content, so it stays fresh for a long time. So whether you financially well-off or not, you still consume lots of calories, which makes you obese. Here are 7 scary things high-fat diet does to your body.
What are the factors that contribute to obesity?
It can be genetic or because of your lifestyle too. If your parents became obese at the age of 40, there are high chances that you will inherit that too. However, it is not a given as there are also a lot of over-riding features like if you are an active person, while your mom wasn't, then your chances of getting obese reduce. If most of your family members are obese, you need to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.

Another reason can be pregnancy. In the olden days, a pregnant woman was asked to eat twice the amount of food she normally would. However, you don't have to eat for two; you just need to eat more of nutritional food when you are pregnant. Because you consume more calories during pregnancy, you put on more weight. Women who have never been active find it particularly difficult to lose weight post-pregnancy. Here are 5 ways obesity affects your chances of getting pregnant.

These factors, along with the fact that Indians are not very inclined towards an active lifestyle, contribute towards the rising number of obese people.

Image Source: Shutterstock

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This is why India is the third most obese country in the world

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According to a study, India is the third most obese country in the world. 'Indians do not take their health seriously, unless they face a health scare', says Dr Sharad Sharma, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon. He explains obesity and diabetes is a rising concern in our country.

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40 per cent children across the world inherit obesity from their parents 

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40 per cent children across the world inherit obesity from their parents 

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MUMBAI: About 35 to 40 per cent children from all over the world inherit obesity from parents, says a recent research undertaken by University of Sussex even as medical experts here also feel that a similar situation prevails in India.

This research is very much relevant to Indian population as around 30 million people in the country are obese, medical experts say.

The research had considered the BMI (Body Mass Index) of the Obese children and their patients across six countries including UK, USA, China, Indonesia, Spain and Mexico, thereby covering all the key geographies of the world.

Professor Peter Dolton, the lead author of the study says the pattern of results is remarkably consistent across all the countries after analysing the data of over 100,000 sample spread across the two highest obese nations (US and UK) and the two least obese nations i.e. China and Indonesia.

In his research, Dolton noted that the study gives an important and rare insight into how obesity is transmitted across generations in both developed and developing countries and also indicated that the process of intergenerational transmission is the same across all the different countries.

Commenting on this research, leading obesity surgeon Dr M G Bhat from Apollo Spectra and Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore said, "in many of my patients, I have observed that they also have obese children pointing out to family factors and genetic inheritance."

"Researches have shown that Genes appear to play an important role in the development of obesity in childhood. Genes may influence behaviour through appetite or by making it harder to resist food," Bhatt said.

Dr Supreet Grover, nutritionist & weight loss consultant at AXIS Hospital says, "Various Factors lead to obesity and I do believe that to an extent obesity is a result of our genetic inheritance and family factors,"

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40 per cent children across the world inherit obesity from their parents

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MUMBAI: About 35 to 40 per cent children from all over the world inherit obesity from parents, says a recent research undertaken by University of Sussex even as medical experts here also feel that a similar situation prevails in India.

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Seriously? - 2025.... the year of the OBESE

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Seriously? - 2025.... the year of the OBESE

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By 2025, India will have over 17 million obese children and stand second among 184 countries where the number of obese children are concerned, says a study published in Paediatric Obesity, an international journal.

On the backdrop of World Obesity day on October 11, experts warned that early prevention was the need of the hour to avoid an entire generation from falling prey to heart ailments, hypertension and diabetic complications.

The study - Planning for the worst: estimates of obesity and comorbidities in school-age children in 2025 - authored by T. Lobstein and R. Jackson-Leach, aimed to assess the scale of the problem with health planners and service providers. Childhood obesity occurs when a child or adolescent is above the average weight for his or her age and height.

The researchers, using data prepared by the Global Burden of Disease collaborative for 2000 and 2013, estimated that by 2025, some 268 million children, aged between five and 17 years, may be overweight, assuming that no policy interventions have proven effective at changing the current trend. China has the largest number of children who are obese. "We have also estimated the likely numbers of children in 2025 with obesity-related comorbidities: impaired glucose tolerance (12 million), type 2 diabetes (4 million), hypertension (27 million) and hepatic steatosis (38 million). A supplement table provides estimates for each of 184 nations," said the researchers, discussing the findings.

Commenting on the study, Dr Ramen Goel, director, Centre for Bariatric and Metabolic surgery at Wockhardt Hospital, said that the two polarised conditions faced by children in India are malnourishment and obesity and this shows the economic and health divide. "Even obese children have malnutrition but that is of a different kind and parents or peers don't understand it. While the government is focusing on malnourishment, this here, is an equally important problem because it will lead to an entire generation suffering from multiple complications in their early twenties," he said.

Sighting the increase in the number of patients coming to him for survival interventions, he blamed a combination of multiple factors, leading to obesity and overweight issues. "95% of the patients we see have minimal field activity, unmonitored calorie intake, sleep deprivation and they fall prey to the brands, promising low fat food. Ironically, most of the low fat brands sell enough calories as compared to their normal variants," said Goel.

While the research paper has listed global overweight prevalence for children aged 5-17 years rising from 13.9% in 2010 to 15.8% in 2025. On the assumptions of continued population growth given by the World Bank, this translates to a rise from some 219 million children in this age group in 2010 to 268 million children in 2025. " Obesity alone rises from 76 million children (4.8%) in 2010 to 91 million (5.4%) by 2025," the report reads.

Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, chairman of Institute of Minimal Invasive Surgical Sciences and Research Center at Saifee Hospital said that increasing number of paediatric patients are seeking surgical intervention in recent times to overtake obesity or overweight issues. "We absolutely avoid operating on such patients and only do it as a last resort if the child is about 120-159kg and is about 15 years of age," said Lakdawala.

He added that schools can play a vital role as a major prevention tool to control an epidemic which will strike in next five to ten years to the most productive generation of the country. "Most schools sell pizzas and cold drinks in their canteens and nobody is talking about the health implications. While the government is focusing on the mid-day meal programs for malnourished children, to save the generation, the officials need to also look at these malnutritioned children from upper classes," said Lakdawala. He added that similar to the Clean India movement, only a healthy India movement can stress on prevention rather than cure.

Doctors across the city said that they see a substantial increase in the number of patients in the out patient ward, which had increased over seven times in past two to three years. "Earlier, we used to see one patient a week complaining about obesity or overweight issues, now we see at least two patients every day. Majority of them belong to the upper middle class and middle class," said Dr. Fazal Nabi, consultant paediatrician and intensivist at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre. He advised mothers to stress on breastfeeding till the age of two years so that the child gets the complete nutritional base for a healthy upbringing. "Mothers need to follow the global standards of breastfeeding, at the same time, the stress on nutritional solid intake is equally important from the age of six months as a strong preventive measure," he said.

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17 million obese children in India by 2025: International journal

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By 2025, India will have over 17 million obese children and stand second among 184 countries where the number of obese children are concerned, says a study published in Paediatric Obesity, an international journal.

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WASHINGTON: India has the second highest number of obese children in the world after China, according to an alarming study which found that 14.4 million kids in the country have excess weight.

Globally, over two billion children and adults suffer from health problems related to being obese, and an increasing number die from these conditions, researchers said. However, of the four million deaths attributed to excess body weight in 2015, nearly 40% occurred among people whose body mass index (BMI) fell below the threshold considered "obese".

The findings represent "a disturbing global public health crisis," according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Among the 20 most populous countries, the highest level of obesity among kids and young adults was in the US at nearly 13%; Egypt topped the list for adult obesity at about 35%. Lowest rates were in Bangladesh and Vietnam, respectively, at 1%.

China with 15.3 million and India with 14.4 million had the highest numbers of obese children; the US with 79.4 million and China with 57.3 million had the highest numbers of obese adults in 2015.

"People who shrug off weight gain do so at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and other life-threatening conditions," said Christopher Murray, from the University of Washington. The study, which spans 195 countries and territories from 1980 through 2015, includes analyses of other studies on the effects of excess weight and potential links between high BMI and cancers of the oesophagus, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, breast, uterus, kidney, and thyroid, as well as leukaemia. In 2015, excess weight affected 2.2 billion children and adults worldwide, or 30% of all people.

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India has second highest number of obese children in world: Study - Times of India

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Globally, over two billion children and adults suffer from health problems related to being obese, and an increasing number die from these conditions, researchers said. However, of the four million deaths attributed to excess body weight in 2015, nearly 40% occurred among people whose body mass index (BMI) fell below the threshold considered "obese".

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BANGALORE: For every 10 Bangaloreans, four are obese. The IT capital is just a spot behind another growing metropolitan city of the South -Kochi ---- when it comes to obesity. A recently compiled survey by market research firm AC Nielsen has put Kochi at number 1 in India with 46% incidence of obesity and Bangalore close behind at No.2 with 43% incidence. The all-India survey was conducted on 30 million people.

As for the other two South cities, Chennai scored 38% while Hyderabad 30% incidence of obesity.

Rapid urbanization, transformation to metro, lifestyle alteration and poor diet are said to be the causes.

"Basically, the sudden urbanization of the two-tier cities, transformation to metros and altered lifestyle are to be blamed for increasing obesity. People prefer to use transport over walking small distance and eat junk food. There is no time to exercise because of hectic work schedules. All this has multiplied into increasing obesity in growing south Indian cities like Kochi and Bangalore," said Dr M Ramesh, bariatric and diabetic surgeon, Vikram Hospital.

Working in different shifts and almost round-the-clock, which is prevalent in IT sector and call centres, not eating on time and less physical activity are being blamed for increasing obesity amongst Bangaloreans. The survey found that 71% Bangaloreans preferred eating fried and fatty food while 43% preferred eating junk food like pizzas and burgers over healthy diet. Compared to Bangalore, 53% in Chennai, 67% in Hyderabad and 59% in Kochi preferred eating fried and fatty food, while 8% in Chennai, 38% in Hyderabad and 25% in Kochi preferred junk food.

It is also said that 22% of those surveyed did not do or never intend to do anything to control their increasing weight. 33% in Chennai, 15% in Hyderabad and 17% in Kochi said that they did nor or never intend to do anything to control their increasing weight.

Indian gene is also said to be one of the causes. Said Dr Nandakishore Dukkipati, bariatric surgeon and MD, Livelife Hospitals, Hyderabad: "Obesity is a multifactorial disorder. Besides lifestyle changes, the genetic structure also plays a role in increasing obesity. Indian and most of Asia-Pacific population have mutation of MC4R genes, which essentially increases the risk of putting of extra weight around the waistline and thereby leading to obesity."

Increasing age a factor

The survey, completed in July this year, also found that obesity risk increased with increasing age. In Bangalore, 8% of those surveyed were in the age group of 20-30 years while 24% were in the age group of 41-55 and 29% above 55 years. Said Dr Ramesh: "With increasing age, the factors leading to obesity like lack of physical activity and hormonal changes accumulate. Especially in women, drastic hormonal changes are noticed after crossing the age of 40, which leads to increasing weight. With increasing age, metabolism slows down, calorie intake is more compared to physical activity which increases obesity risk. Overweight leads to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, kidney and heart malfunction."

36% Bangaloreans eat out once a week

The two IT cities of South have higher frequency when it comes to eating out. While 36% of Bangaloreans said that they eat out at least once a week, it is 17% in Hyderabad. While 6% in Bangalore said that they eat out every day, the figure is 14% for Hyderabad. In Chennai, 0% people surveyed said that they eat out every day, while in Kochi it is 10%.

Dr HV Shivaram, chief of gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery, Columbia Asia Hospitals, said: "Obesity is directly related to behavioural and environmental factors. Eating out falls under behavioural pattern. Today, food is readily available by simply making a phone call and at affordable rate. Outside food is rich in oil, fats and calories, which increases weight. Eating out for a long period of time can increase the risk of obesity and lead to many complementary diseases. Physical activity is a must."

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4 out of 10 Bangaloreans are obese - Times of India

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BANGALORE: For every 10 Bangaloreans, four are obese. The IT capital is just a spot behind another growing metropolitan city of the South -Kochi ---- when it comes to obesity. A recently compiled survey by market research firm AC Nielsen has put Kochi at number 1 in India with 46% incidence of obesity and Bangalore close behind at No.2 with 43% incidence.