Doctors across Hyderabad warn of a surge in Child Obesity stressing on parental lifestyle to be held accountable. Currently, Hypertension, fatty liver and Type 2 Diabetes are also among the rise in children along with Obesity which is from the past decade. Experts urge on early intervention, healthy routines and proper parental lifestyle to eradicate the rise and prevent Obesity.  

According to data cited by the Ministry of Health and local physicians, every alternate or every third child is now obese The Ministry has cautioned and urged families for early identification and long- term health risks saying that it is crucial to emphasize the significance and prevention of the issue. Children and adolescents aged 5-19 worldwide are now more likely to be obese than underweight. Across India, prevalence studies show childhood obesity ranging between 1.2 % and 14 % depending on region and age.  

Doctors Speak on the awareness significance    

Dr. Babu S Madarkar, Chief Neonatologist and Clinical Director of KIMS Cuddles says that India, once known for high rates of malnourishment, is now seeing a regular increase in obese children. “The Number is very high that according to study, 2 crore children are obese, and we have obesity spectrum amongst urban population kids. Every alternate child or every third child is obese, "he added.  

Mental health & Physical Balance- Key to tackle Obesity  

“Physical solution alone doesn’t make it better, they need mental assistance by motivation and confidence,” adds Dr. Madarkar. He warned that Obese children are more likely to develop high blood pressure. Hypertension is also noticed to be more common, and it is very difficult to convince parents that their child is having hypertension and give medications. But if obesity is improved and blood pressure is normal, this may reduce. He also urges schools to include more physical activity. “Amongst the patients and parents in Hyderabad, we are also telling parents to communicate with their school to include more physical activity for the children”, says Dr. Babu. 

Dr. Babu explained that the trend is especially noticeable among boys two times more than girls. And cases are also rising in children less than 5 years of age across the city mostly in urban population. From junk food to screen time, the widely recognized reasons are imbalanced nutrition, high-carbohydrate foods, processed/junk food and large quantities. Lack of physical activity has become a major issue among today kids. “There are literally No Places for children to go and play and very limited access to ground, gardens and physical activity and more screen time is observed”, he added. Additionally, hormonal disturbances and genetic conditions also play a part. Hormonal causes are treatable like pancreas-related tumors etc. and if the ratios of hormones are abnormal, it will lead to obesity, suppressing growth of endocrine organs. 

Parents are the Role Model 

Dr. Ravi Sankar Erukulapati, Senior Endocrinologist at Apollo Hospitals says that there is definitely an increase in number of children in obesity, fatty liver and highlighted on underprivileged being more because of the lot of oil food and imbalanced diet whereas amongst over privileged due to over screen time, gadgets, junk food and less physical activity etc. He notes that “fatty liver has become a menace!!” alongside hypertension, high cholesterol and body-image issues. 

Girls are also exposed to early puberty, natural irregularities and seen more often in obesity cases.”  He further emphasizes on how parents should watch for signs like development issues such as not having normal growth in height, emotional balance and problems in performance at school. But acting early would be wise. 

He stressed on the sleep cycle, as children learn from the late hours that parents follow specifically the Midnight food deliveries harming both the sleep and health.  

Dr. Nanda Kishore Pediatrician &intensivist at Rainbow Children’s Hospitals asserted that the parental responsibility is on spotlight. “Children don’t know where to stop and how to stop, so parents need to notice.” He emphasizes that obesity is majorly lifestyle-associated and the “entire family plays a huge role than child.” He warns of midnight food deliveries, high-calorie processed food, sugar-rich snacks. “Proper food and exercise should be a habit of entire family rather than just for the child.” He drives home this point: “Parents are the biggest role model.”