Obesity is a growing concern globally, with alarming rates among children and adolescents in India. According to the World Health Organization, 29% of children between the ages of 7 and 9 in participating nations are overweight or obese, with boys showing a higher prevalence at 31% compared to girls at 28%. The WHO classifies children & adolescents aged 5 to 19 as overweight or obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeds one standard deviation over the WHO Growth Reference median.
Obesity is a primary concern in India, with over 17 million children and adolescents projected to be obese by 2025. In India, a significant percentage of men and women have abdominal obesity, with 12% of men and 40% of women being affected. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Delhi have high incidence rates, with percentages of 65.4%, 57.9%, 62.5%, and 59%, respectively. On the other hand, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand have a low prevalence of 24.9% and 23.9%, respectively. It is concerning that obesity is associated with an increased risk of specific health problems. They are developing diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. These health issues can be expensive, leading to an economic burden on the healthcare system and the overall economy.
Diabetes is a fatal condition that affects how the body metabolizes sugar. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, and the increasing prevalence of obesity in India means that more people are at risk of developing this condition.
Heart disease is another health issue associated with obesity. Excess body weight strains the heart & leads to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. India already has a high burden of heart disease, and the projected increase in obesity rates could exacerbate this problem.
Obesity also leads to other health issues, such as sleep apnea, joint problems, and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These health problems can be expensive, leading to an economic burden on the healthcare system and the overall economy.
The rise in obesity rates among young people in India can be attributed to urbanization, globalization, and the adoption of a modern lifestyle. Processed foods, sugary drinks, & fast food are becoming more accessible in urban areas, leading to unhealthy dietary choices high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat and low in essential nutrients.
Obesity is when a person carries more body weight than what is considered healthy for height. It is a growing concern not just among adults but also among young people. Factors such as technology, sedentary behaviors, genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, and environmental influences contribute to obesity among young people.
Technology has made our lives easier in many ways, but it has also led to a sedentary lifestyle. Nowadays, youngsters spend more time using electronic devices than physical activity.
Sedentary activities such as binge-watching TV, playing games, or spending hours on social media are also contributing factors to obesity among young people. These activities do not require much physical activity, and therefore, they contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. Spending long hours sitting in one place also has a negative obesity impact on health. Genetics is another factor that contributes to obesity among young people. Some children are genetically predisposed to gain weight more easily than others. If a young person has a family history of obesity, they are more likely to develop it themselves.
Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to obesity among young people. Hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and leptin are crucial in regulating a person's weight. If these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Environmental influences such as access to unhealthy food options can also contribute to obesity among young people. If a young person lives in an area where there are limited healthy food options, they may be more likely to eat unhealthy foods, which can lead to weight gain & obesity. Junk and fast food refer to foods high in calories, fats, salt, and sugar but low in nutrients. These foods are often heavily marketed to young people through social media, television commercials, and other media outlets.
Junk food and fast food consumption have been linked to a variety of fatal health problems, including obesity, heart disease, & high blood pressure. Young people who consume junk food frequently are at a higher risk of developing these health problems later in life.
It is essential to address the issue of obesity in the young generation in India through a multi-faceted approach involving education, policy changes, and community engagement. Educating people and their families about healthy eating habits and regular physical activity is important to preventing and managing obesity. Schools should promote healthy lifestyles by providing nutritious meals and opportunities for physical activity. Government policies are crucial in regulating the food industry to ensure healthier food options and improve access to nutritious foods in underserved communities, addressing food availability and quality disparities.
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital best bariatric hospital in Delhi, offers quality healthcare services with a wide range of specialties and experienced healthcare professionals dedicated to providing the best possible care. By prioritizing health and well-being through education, policy changes, and community engagement, we can work together to address and prevent obesity among children and adolescents in India.
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