Obese kids need parental guidance

EAT RIGHT! One in three children have been found to be obese, says survey.

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Rohit Khilnani

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New Delhi: Obesity in children is leading to a number of lifestyle diseases, say doctors.

39.7 per cent of urban Indian children eat out once or more every week, 52.9 per cent of children eat potato chips once or more every week and 36.4 per cent of the children have colas once or more a week, according to survey.

With this kind of eating habits, maybe it is not surprising that one in three children have been found to be obese. And childhood obesity can lead to many health complications.

And just sitting around, not getting enough exercise makes things worse. Sixty-six per cent of children surveyed lead a sedentary lifestyle.

A Class X student, Priya is happy being a couch potato and loves her junk food.

At 13, Priya doesn’t think being over weight is a problem now but she is beginning to think ahead.

Says Priya, “I want to lose weight now because I want to be a pilot.”

Childhood obesity can lead to many health complications.

Says endocrinologist, Dr Anup Misra, ”Almost 24 per cent of the boys and 36 per cent of the girls have metabolic syndrome.”

It means that they are at a risk of developing hypertension, cardiac problems, Type 2 Diabetes, orthopaedic problems, asthma, daytime sleepiness or breathing difficulty in sleep.

But it's not just physical. We all know those fat people jokes that fall flat, and other cruel stereotypes, children are maybe, most vulnerable to.

“Overweight and obese children may face a number of psychological problems ranging from irritability to anxiety to low self-esteem and even depression,” adds endocrinologist, Bhavna Barmi.

Over-eating, and lifestyle issues are to blame in many cases and TV ads seem to be making it worse.

Children who spend more number of hours in front of the television tend to eat more of the high calorie food that is advertised during those hours.

Also, if there is a family history of obesity, or of early heart trouble, high cholesterol and type II diabetes then your child is at risk.

A thyroid imbalance needs to be ruled out as once you rule out thyroid imbalance, doctors say, the main thing to do is to manage your child’s lifestyle and eating habits.

Children will eventually see the light, but that is only once parents and schools lead the way.

Schools in the capital have become more proactive with the recent banning of junk food in canteens and on campus.

“All that is available in the school canteen is health food,” says a school principal.

Children may not sound too happy about it, but it’s a step in the right direction, but it does need to be backed up by some discipline at home.

It might sound cruel, but the fall-out of childhood obesity is not something to take lightly.

However, if you are worried about your child, see a doctor about evaluation treatment. Few treatments are designed for children under the age of seven, but then again, it is never too early to start encouraging good eating habits at home.