The World Obesity Federation conducted a study reveals, around 28 million children in India will be obese by the year 2030 and the country would rank second in the world in terms of the high number of obese people, consultant surgeon Prabhu Nesargikar has said.
The report says India has an obese population of 14 crores and only a comprehensive approach towards obesity, metabolic disorders and adequate awareness on bariatric surgery for weight loss would go a long way in addressing the problem. obesity has always been the root cause of many metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, heart and liver problems, respiratory and joint pain issues. “The studies have revealed that obesity is also associated with infertility, and is considered the number one cause of cancer across the world.
Doctors say obese children are more at risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, breathing difficulties, bone and joint problems, and even type-2 diabetes. They are also more likely to have weight problems as adults, they said. The number of young patients I treat for obesity-related ailments has doubled in the last five years, says Dr. Krishan Chugh, Director, and Head of Department, Paediatrics, Fortis Memorial Research Institute. Pramod and Aastha were a worried couple when their son Parth, 7, started gaining weight a few years ago. The problem was compounded with pain in the legs, compelling the couple to consult a doctor.
This problem among teenagers can be attributed to unhealthy eating habits, poor physical activity levels, less sleep combined with increasing screen time. The most common reasons are a sedentary lifestyle, increased screen-time, lack of role models in families and easy access to junk food, etc.
