Around 55 pct will turn into obese children become obese, warns Mumbai doctor

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Obesity is the king of all diseases, the endogenous causes of it are genetics, disease and pregnancy while exogenous factors are lifestyle, sleep, stress and gut microbiome. Currently, a large number of children eat calorie-rich food which tantalises their taste buds and gain weight. However, obesity not only causes weight gain but psychological burden on the child by increasing anxiety, depression, social isolation, eating disorders, mood disorders and developmental issues.

To mark World Child Obesity Day (WCOD) on May 22 - Dr Sanajy Borude started Generation XL Obesity Foundation two years ago. The organisation creates awareness through various initiatives such as the Free Web Portal Dedicated Helpline for Childhood Obesity and the management of child obesity.

IN PHOTOS: Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray attend World Child Obesity Day event at Mumbai hotel

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Borude remarks: "Obesity is the mother of most of the preventable diseases. It is a self-diagnosable disease that is on the rise globally. According to the World Obesity Atlas, 51 pct will be obese by 2035. However, 87 pct of doctors are unaware of how to treat childhood obesity. Timely intervention is essential for obese child = obese adult. Around 55 pct of obese children go on to be obese in adolescence, around 80 pct of obese adolescents will be obese in adulthood and around 70% will be obese over age 30."

Lack of awareness about the causes and management of obesity is a factor that needs to be taken into consideration. The goal is to prevent the progression of obesity from mild to moderate to severe. To create further awareness, our foundation is organising ‘CMEs with Diagnostics' nationwide and having the IMA and MMC accredited speakers as the faculty to address the child obesity issue. Obesity can be deadly but preventable. No child is fat alone. Children should be encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise daily and take medication, he adds.

Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Of Maharashtra said: "In Maharashtra, we get to see two extremes, one is underweight and malnourished children which is also a matter of concern and has been tackled by the Government. Now, child obesity is growing in children due to urban lifestyle. Through Ayushman Bharat Yojana initiated by PM Modi, pregnant women should take care and the journey of the child to adolescence should be monitored for timely intervention. Even the Central Government is organizing awareness programs for obesity such as Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram for kids who have hit puberty are being focused on. If we can help them stay healthy then the future generation will be healthy."

Fadnavis continues, "Child obesity is a problem and the Government is ensuring that at least two teachers should be trained in school who will have thorough knowledge regarding child obesity, nutrition, and other schemes. They should be able to identify kids progressing to obesity and the kids' parents should be counseled. This bigger initiative will be implemented in schools all over India. Schools should make the PT period compulsory for children. Schools without a playground should not be permitted, and the activities have also been made part of the curriculum. Mentioning calorie counts for food served in restaurants will be compulsory to know the calorie intake for creating awareness. In another move by the FSSAI, the manufacturers will have to mention all the nutrition information on the packaged food. Children will be encouraged to go from fast food to superfoods such as millet. So, alternate food in the form of superfood should be given to children."

Raj Thackeray, MNS Chief remarks: "Parents like to keep their children healthy and chubby but they don't understand that being chubby itself means obesity. It is the responsibility of the doctor to educate parents and find ways to create awareness. Schools should ensure that they provide nutritious food as many children tend to eat unhealthy food in canteens. People were healthy when they were eating home-cooked food."

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