Childhood obesity emerging as major health concern in TG

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Childhood malnutrition in India has traditionally been associated with undernutrition and low body weight. In Telangana, the prevalence of obesity among children increased from 0.7% in NFHS-4 to 3.4% in NFHS-5. Various studies have also reported combined overweight and obesity rates of 20% to 35% among school-going children in urban Hyderabad.

Dr. Babu S. Madarkar, Clinical Director and Chief Neonatologist, KIMS Cuddles, Secunderabad, said the growing prevalence of childhood obesity required attention not only from parents but also from schools and policymakers. According to NFHS data, childhood obesity in Telangana increased from 0.7% in 2015-16 (NFHS-4) to 3.4% in 2019-21 (NFHS-5), an increase of 2.7 percentage points. Rapid urbanization, changing lifestyles, increased time spent indoors, online food delivery and easy access to junk food are contributing to the rise in childhood overweight and obesity in Hyderabad.

Weight reduction alone is not the answer

Managing childhood obesity should not be reduced to simply asking a child to eat less or lose weight, Dr. Madarkar said. A comprehensive approach should include healthy eating habits, adequate physical activity, responsible screen use, mental well-being and changes in family lifestyle.  As residential areas expand rapidly, protecting open spaces where children can play and remain physically active is equally important. Childhood obesity, therefore, needs to be viewed not merely as an individual or family issue but as a growing public health challenge requiring coordinated action by parents, schools, communities and policymakers.

— Dr. Babu S Madarkar

Clinical Director of KIMS Cuddles &   Chief Neonatologist, KIMS Cuddles

KIMS Cuddles, Sec-bad