Tuesday, 22 OCTOBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Sedentary lifestyle, increased screen time and inadequate parenting have led to a rise in childhood obesity, the experts said. They have observed a 25 to 30 per cent increase in childhood obesity within a span of five to ten years. Factors like increased consumption of junk food, hormonal imbalances and decreased physical activity contribute to this problem. To prevent childhood obesity, experts recommend that parents should maintain open communication with their children and provide them with a balanced diet instead of relying on junk food for convenience.
Paediatrician Dr Abhinav Tomar stated that over the past five to 10 years, the issue of childhood obesity has seen a rise of about 25 to 30 per cent. He said that parents have made it easier for their children to access mobile phones, which in turn discourages them from participating in outdoor activities. Further, the increase in consumption of junk food and ordering food through apps has also played a significant role in contributing to the prevalence of childhood obesity. Tomar emphasised the importance of controlling this issue as it can lead to various health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory issues and sleep disorders. Lifestyle adjustments are crucial in managing childhood obesity. Further, parents should focus on providing their children with a balanced diet and encouraging physical activity, rather than giving them unhealthy junk food options, he added.
Dietician Rich Kukreti said that hormonal imbalance, lack of physical activity and consumption of unhealthy foods are contributing factors to the rise of childhood obesity. Kukreti noted that girls are also experiencing obesity-related issues such as PCOS and PCOD at a young age. Kukreti highlighted the role of mental stress from academic pressure and peer competition in the prevalence of obesity among children. Additionally, parents play a significant role in enabling unhealthy eating habits by providing easy access to junk food. She said that she has observed that childhood obesity can lead to digestive issues and other health problems. To prevent this, parents should focus on providing a balanced and healthy diet for their children. An excess of either positive or negative elements can have adverse effects on health. It is recommended that children increase their physical activity levels which will prevent children from child obesity. Eating a balanced diet and consuming food in moderation based on individual capabilities is crucial for maintaining a sharp mind. It is also important to ensure that a child’s body mass index corresponds to their weight and height. For instance, a 13-year-old child should ideally have a body weight of 30 kilogrammes, she added.
