Monday, 14 August 2023 PNS | DEHRADUN
With parents failing to inculcate a healthful lifestyle among their children, the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing especially in cities like Dehradun. Childhood obesity has emerged as a significant issue of concern for parents in Dehradun. Experts have expressed concern over the increasing number of children with obesity caused by the wrong lifestyle choices. They opined that parents are the main driving force behind their children’s obesity. It is difficult to convince parents that they need to keep a check on what their children eat and how much they play, the experts said.
Commenting on childhood obesity, a parent Ravish Kumar said, “My son has been grappling with childhood obesity for about two years. I am deeply concerned about his wellbeing since this condition predisposes him to grave illnesses. However, I admit that it is our own negligence that has allowed our son to indulge in junk food in the past.”
Dietician Richa Kukreti told this correspondent, “Obesity has become a major concern among children. Apart from this, childhood obesity is a disease which is increasing among children at an alarming rate. I can say that three main factors- lack of physical activity, change in lifestyle and stress are the main reasons for childhood obesity. Childhood obesity can lead to various other major diseases like heart problems, PCOS, PCOD, blood pressure and diabetes.” She further stated that parents can help to prevent obesity in children by helping them with their eating habits and building a healthy body image.
Talking to The Pioneer, a pediatrician Dr Apoorv Jain said that obesity among children has increased by an average of 10 per cent as compared to past years. The primary factors contributing to this issue are sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time and a lack of physical activity among children. Childhood obesity can give rise to major health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disorders. It is imperative for parents and schools to fulfill their respective roles effectively in order to address and combat the challenge of child obesity, he added.
