Bobby feels hungry and thirsty all the time, so he keeps munching and also sipping cold drinks instead of drinking plain water. At 11, he seems to be idle, inactive and lethargic as compared to other kids of his age. He shows less interest in going out, playing in the garden or participating in sports activities. Instead, he likes to sit on the couch, watching cartoon films, or playing video games on his tab. His school teachers complain that Bobby is not keen on any sport that needs legwork. Bobby’s parents are worried that Bobby is gaining weight not matching his age or height.
Bobby is not the only child with worried parents. There are many such boys and girls in every class and most homes. The Indian population is getting obese day-by-day. Obesity is a growing issue in India and a challenge to public health, according to a survey.
Inappropriate diet, changing lifestyle, lack of physical activities, growing consumption of processed foods are seen as the prime causes that lead to unnecessary weight gain in young age. Most school going children in Goa look chubby, but are these signs of a healthy kid or is it a pointer towards obesity?
“For generations, a chubby child was seen as a sign of good health and good care. Today, science clearly tells us otherwise. While chubby may look cute, it is not necessarily healthy,” explains Dr Amit Dias, a Co-Principal Investigator of the ICMR INDIAB study, and assistant professor in the department of Preventive and Social Medicine at GMC.
Childhood obesity is rising rapidly and is silently laying the foundation for serious health problems later in life. Importantly, this crisis is not driven by fat alone – excess sugar and unhealthy lifestyles play an equally powerful role, says Dr Amit.
According to paediatrician Dr Purnima Usgaonkar, the cause of obesity in Goan children can be attributed to failure to follow the biological clock for food intake. “Faulty habits of eating from containers with food items, whilst watching television results in unlimited ingestion of food items causing irregular weight gain,” she points out.
Improper chewing before swallowing is another cause. The stomach is not allowed to get emptied due to nibbling in between the major meals. Also, improper combinations of food, not following the food pyramid for food intake, inadequate physical activity are some of the reasons. Television, mobile, tablets, laptops and other gadgets fix the child in one place and leave no space for outdoor activities.
“All of these effects in metabolic syndromes like diabetes and high blood pressure in young age. There can also be kidney overload malfunction, joint dislocations, cartilage destruction in the joints and so osteoarthritis at younger age, early cardiovascular accidents, ischaemic problems of heart and brain, fatty liver thereby leading to cirrhosis of liver non-alcoholic or at later age alcoholic and PCOD,” explains Dr Purnima.
Food preferences in children largely depend on what parents introduce from an early age. When outside or junk food is introduced too soon, children often lose interest in traditional and nutritious foods. Offering vegetables, germinated pulses and fruits as evening snacks can help develop their taste and improve appetite. When mothers understand the nutritional value of foods, they are better equipped to prepare meals that are both appealing and nutritionally adequate for children.
Reversing childhood obesity does not require extreme or restrictive diets. Instead, it calls for simple, consistent eating habits practiced by the entire family. Children who have already gained excess weight should be managed under proper medical guidance. A balanced diet planned by a dietician, ensuring age-appropriate calorie intake, along with regular physical activity such as outdoor games, skipping, jumping and other play activities, can help children lose excess weight safely.
With rising obesity rates, interest in anti-obesity drugs and bariatric surgery has increased, even among young Goans.
“Young Goans are opting for such solutions, which though expensive, are available. While these interventions have a role, they are often misunderstood. Such treatments are meant for carefully selected individuals with resistant morbid obesity and serious health complications. They are not a substitute for lifestyle changes, especially in children and adolescents. Without healthy eating, regular activity and behaviour change, long-term success is unlikely,” warns Dr Amit.
“Refrain from interventional procedures like bariatric surgeries to avoid long term side effects. Instead, bring up a child with proper food habits, adequate nutrient content and calories required for growth so that they remain active, alert and free from health problems. A good appetite and bowel habits, enough sleep will make a child healthy, not just plump and chubby!” advocates Dr Purnima.
