Here's why you need to pay attention to your child's growing waistline

Childhood obesity ImageThinkstockObesity in children and adolescent is a rapidly growing epidemic all over the world more so in the developing countries where it has grown even faster inthe last two decades According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine India has the second highest number of obese children in the world Dr Ramen Goel Senior Bariatric Surgeon Director Center of Bariatric amp Metabolic Surgery Wockhardt Group of Hospitals tells you why it is about time you paid attention to your childrsquos healthThe concern amongst scientific community regarding this disease arises from multiple reasons ndashA child does not outgrow obesity which means that 90 of obese children are likely to become obese adultsObesity in a child limits his academic social physical and mental growth The child is neither able to play active physical sport like football etc nor able to participate in plays musicals etcBesides these children feel stigmatizedasthediagnosis is written all over the body Friends family teachers and even strangers do not hesitate to tender unsolicited advise to consume less and exercise more without realizing its impact on childrsquos psycheOver 30 per cent children amongst affluent society are overweight or obese The quality of life for these children is comparatively lower than those of normal weight kidsAs mostof these are likely to carry their obesity into adulthood increasing risks of often lifethreatening conditions such as premature death heart disease obstructive sleep apnea hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitusChanged environmentParents and sociologists are questioning the possible reasons behind this unwelcome phenomenon The probable reasonsvaryfrom improved food availability motorised transport screen based education sports and so onEconomic liberalization ndash The most probable reason is affordability and access to food clubbed with aspirational aspect childhood obesity in developing world is matching the prevalence in developed countriesQuality of Food ndash Unfortunately calorie dense food is considered tastier Also packaged or ready to eat food is loaded with unhealthy transfats and preservatives to enhance shelf life Now even the food available at home or outside is also calorie dense There is higher oil usage either by maid maharaj at home or even by family members Healthy food options in school canteens theatres birthday or marriage parties are limited Thus a child has no orvery fewhealthy food optionsFood advertising ndash Role of advertising in influencing childrsquos food choices is well recognised In countries like Australia directsurrogate advertising targeted at children is prohibitedPeer pressure ndash Children are vulnerable to peer choices and easy availability of calorie dense westernIndian junk food makes them select oneAbsence of role models Parents teachers and other senior family members are busy amp too stressed to realize significance of leisure family time Long working hours and nuclear families results in loneliness and boredom for the child Either child finds solace in eating or parents find packed food an easy way to feed and make up for their absence A child is completely dependent on his or her parents when it comes to food selection Therefore it is important for parents to inculcate healthy eating habits themselves We are raising a generation and itrsquos our responsibility what we hand downScreen time has increased tremendously in children amp adults also The extra energy time is all used by data usageEating out generally is the easiest family outing option Buffet meals amp vast dessert spreads increase the amount of calorie consumption on a regular basisPhysical activityand sports are limited Either the travel time or competitive education system or unavailability of open spaces all contribute to sedentary lifestylePollution is also causing an impact on the overall health It is well established that pollution and lack of sleep results in increased obesityWhatever may the reason be childhood obesity is a serious health concern for the child family society and nation It is time each component takes charge and ensure that our next generation lives a healthier and longer life than their parentsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates