हिंदी
CHANDIGARH
Obesity, which is a serious public health concern, is increasing rapidly among children, said experts on the occasion of World Obesity Day.
Indians are highly prone to lifestyle diseases or non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer which, coupled with obesity, can only aggravate the health complications.
India has the second-highest number of obese children in the world after China, according to a study, which means that 14.4 million kids in the country have excess weight. Healthcare experts have attributed the rise in obesity to unhealthy food choices and lack of physical activities among children and even adults.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is 15% and for those studying in private schools catering to upper-income families, the incidence has shot up to 35-40%, indicating a worrying upward trend.
Obesity in the central part of the body has a strong link to heart disease and a major cause for worry.
Obesity is associated with higher rates of death driven by comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), certain types of cancer, steatohepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux, arthritis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and infertility,’’ said Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Indo-US Hospitals.
Studies also indicate that people who modify their lifestyle to be healthy have seen a 55% reduction in diabetes, while those who were managed just with medication saw a 30% to 35% reduction in diabetes.
Solutions:
Whole fruits without discarding the fiber in fruit juices; vegetables, not starches like potatoes; whole grains and millets, nuts, white meat like fish, poultry for proteins; using plant oils on rotation like groundnut, mustard oil, til, flower oils. Eat home food, chew properly and drink water and other calorie-free beverages, this should be coupled with physical activity for about 45 minutes daily
