Childhood obesity a major public health crisis today

Childhood obesity a major public health crisis today

On World Obesity Day, awareness needs to be created on the fact that small steps at home and school can prevent obesity in children

New Delhi, 25 October 2017: Statistics indicate that India has the second highest number of obese children in the world after China. About 14.4 million children in the country are overweight as per findings. Obesity is the leading cause of many health problems and globally, about 2 billion children and adults suffer from such issues. The rate of increase in obesity among children today is alarmingly high when compared to adults, indicates the IMA.

Childhood obesity can be identified by measuring the Body Mass Index or BMI. Children with a BMI in the range of 85% to 95% are classified as being obese. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay so way into their adulthood. They also stand the chance of developing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a relatively younger age.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming pace. India has not been spared either. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is steadily increasing. A multifactorial disorder, unhealthy diet – eating foods high in fats, sugar and salt (junk food, processed food) and a sedentary lifestyle contribute significantly to this escalating epidemic. Today, TV, internet, computer and mobile games have taken precedence over outdoor sports. Childhood obesity is well-recognized as a precursor to obesity in adulthood. Most obese children grow up to be obese adults. Overweight and obesity in childhood also predispose children to other lifestyle disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome later in life. Hence, there is an urgent need to prevent and control obesity in children.”

Obese children and adolescents are more prone to bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “It is important to start inculcating good nutritional habits from the beginning in children. Ensuring enough physical activity right from an early age is an equally important aspect of every child’s growth. Prevention of lifestyle diseases should start early. Schools can help in shaping the lives of students and have a very important role to play in the battle against childhood obesity. Healthy habits in childhood lay a foundation for a healthier adulthood. The IMA’s Aao School Chaleinprogramme aims at this and more.”

Here are some tips that parents can follow at home to tackle obesity and unhealthy habits in children.
• Encourage healthy eating habits right at the onset.
• Try making favorite dishes healthier. Few changes can make even snacks healthier.
• Avoid tempting children with calorie-rich food. It is okay to treat them but in moderation and by limiting high-fat and high-sugar or salty snacks.
• Make kids understand the importance of being physically active.
• Lead by example. Indulge in at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day.
• Reduce sedentary time. While reading is a good option, too much of screen time is not.
• Replace screen time with the outdoors and fun activities to keep children engaged.

Short sleep duration as a risk factor for childhood obesity

Short sleep duration as a risk factor for childhood obesity Childhood obesity is a global public health problem that has increased at an alarming rate, more so in the low- and middle-income countries. According to the WHO, in 2015 the number of overweight children under the age of five globally was estimated to be over 42 million. Almost half of all overweight children under 5 lived in Asia and one quarter lived in Africa. The causes of obesity are variable, genetic, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Addressing obesity assumes importance given that overweight and obese children are likely to be obese adults and more likely to develop noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Several studies have described short sleep duration as a risk factor for obesity, including childhood obesity. Excess carbohydrate consumption has been suggested as a possible mechanism due to increased hunger through dysregulated hormonal mechanisms that involve decreased leptin (satiety hormone – suppresses appetite) and increased ghrelin (hunger hormone) levels. Lack of sleep disturbs the balance between these hormones. This association between short sleep duration and risk of obesity in children was demonstrated in a study published in the February 2017 issue of the journal Sleep. Researchers examined the association between estimated sleep duration and macronutrient intake as percentages of total energy among Mexican American (MA) 9–11 year old children. The intake of carbohydrates decreased with longer sleep duration. Children who slept for longer duration ate fewer calories from carbohydrates and a higher percentage from fat, especially from PUFAs. This study highlights the role of sleep in the prevention of obesity emphasizes the need to inculcate good sleep hygiene in children. Here are a few tips to do so: • Set a regular and consistent sleep schedule. • Remove TV and computers from the child’s bedroom. • Avoid caffeinated products close to bedtime. • Plan up to 1 hour of quiet time before bed such as reading a book. • Make sure that the child does not go to bed hungry. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI

WMA proposes a comprehensive program to prevent childhood obesity

WMA proposes a comprehensive program to prevent childhood obesity The World Medical Association (WMA) has published a comprehensive program to prevent childhood obesity including consideration of a tax on non-nutritious foods and sugary drinks. WMA has also called on governments to regulate availability of food and beverages of poor nutritional value, particularly in the vicinity of schools by way of regulating price, advertising and labeling of unhealthy foods to combat obesity. According to the WMA, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise are contributing to childhood obesity. In view of this, the WMA Assembly adopted a new statement on ‘Obesity in Children’ at its recent annual Assembly in Taiwan which recommends that schools should incorporate daily physical activity into their daily routine and all children should be encouraged to participate regardless of their economic status. The National Medical Associations should work to raise public awareness about childhood obesity. Physicians should educate parents and children in how to live healthy lives and emphasize the importance of doing so. It’s not only parents and children who need to be educated about childhood obesity, the WMA statement also recognizes that physicians and health professionals should be educated in nutrition assessment, obesity prevention and treatment by strengthening CME activities focused on nutritional medicine. WMA President Dr. Ketan Desai, said: ‘We know there is a link between the extent of advertising and childhood obesity, and so we are recommending that the advertising of non-nutritious products on television be restricted during programmes that appeal to children. Children frequently watch programmes designed for adults, so regulators must ensure that legislation and regulation also limits marketing associated with such programs. ‘We are also urging governments to consider imposing a tax on non-nutritious foods and sugary drinks and to use the additional revenue to fund research into preventing childhood obesity and reducing the resulting disease risk.' IMA Viewpoint • The incidence of metabolic syndrome is rising in urban school children. • This high incidence of metabolic syndrome is contributing to childhood obesity. • Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates – white rice, white sugar, white maida – several times in a day is fuelling the increase in metabolic syndrome. If not checked in time, this will lead to an epidemic of diabetes, hypertension and heart attacks precipitated by obesity. • Avoid replacing saturated fats with refined carbohydrates. • Avoid eating highly refined and processed grains and carbohydrates. • Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. • Stay active.