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On World Obesity Day, medical experts in India have sounded the alarm over the concerning surge in obesity among children, highlighting the potential long-term health consequences associated with this trend.
Dr. Vaishali Lokhande, a General Physician specializing in Internal Medicine at Apollo Hospitals, expressed deep concern over the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among both adults and children in India. She emphasized that conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers are now being diagnosed at increasingly younger ages, painting a worrying picture for the nation’s future health landscape.
According to data from Apollo Hospitals, obesity among children has tripled compared to five years ago, with hypertension, once rare in children, nearly quadrupling in incidence.
A recent global analysis published in The Lancet revealed that a staggering 12.5 million children in India, aged between five and 19, were grossly overweight in 2022, marking a sharp rise from just 0.4 million in 1990. Dr. Shridhar Deshmukh from Ruby Hall Clinic Hinjewadi expressed alarm over this threefold increase in just three decades, emphasizing the urgent need to address the rising tide of obesity among children.
Dr. Manish Mittal, a Consultant Physician at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara, attributed the escalating prevalence of obesity to lifestyle factors, warning of the increased risks of heart disease, strokes, diabetes, fatty liver, obstructive sleep apnea, and arthritis among obese individuals.
To combat this growing health crisis, experts stressed the importance of early awareness and education, particularly among children. Unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and early onset of obesity were identified as significant contributors to the problem.
Dr. Aasim Maldar, an Endocrinologist and Diabetologist at P. D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, underscored the need to advocate for traditional, nutrient-rich foods, promote physical activity, and raise awareness about the lifelong impacts of habits formed during childhood. He emphasized that by instilling healthy behaviors early on, India can address the escalating burden of chronic diseases and enhance the overall well-being of its populace.
As World Obesity Day draws attention to this pressing issue, it serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to prioritize strategies aimed at combating obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles among children and adults alike.
