According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 has risen dramatically from just 4 per cent in 1975 to just over 18 per cent in 2016. The problem is even more grievous in India with a predicted 27 million children to be diagnosed with obesity by 2030, as per UNICEF’s World Obesity Atlas 2022.
On the face of it, the numbers may seem small because of the size of the Indian population but is a major worry for health experts.
“The worldwide guidelines for bariatric surgery for childhood obesity have been revised and early intervention for morbid obesity in children has been recommended in view of the early onset of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease seen at an early age,” Dr Shashank Shah, Consultant, Bariatric Surgery, P D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Khar told indianexpress.com.
Causes of childhood obesity<
There are three main categories of causes for childhood obesity, explained Dr Uday Phadke, Director-Dept. of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Sahyadri Hospitals. “Firstly, genetic obesity stems from a genetic fault in the child, often associated with genetic disorders or syndromic conditions that lead to weight gain and other abnormalities,” he said.
The paramount cause of childhood obesity can be attributed to environmental factors, notably diet and exercise. “Factors such as the consumption of calorie-dense foods, the preference for formula diets over breastfeeding, and the powerful influence of enticing advertisements promoting high-calorie foods contribute to excessive eating habits,” Dr Phadke noted.
Furthermore, he explained that sedentary behaviours, such as excessive screen time and reduced outdoor play, significantly contribute to the prevalence of childhood obesity. Similarly, the impact of family behaviour cannot be ignored as parents’ busy schedules and the adoption of a Western lifestyle, often characterised by dining out and relying on fast food, exacerbate this issue.
Although less common, Dr Phadke said that hormone-related diseases such as growth hormone deficiency or excessive cortisol production can contribute to obesity in some cases. Additionally, factors such as excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy and maternal diabetes can contribute to obesity in children.
“By understanding and addressing these various causes, we can effectively tackle childhood obesity and promote healthier outcomes for our young patients,” he said.
Signs to look out for
Recognising signs that can indicate childhood obesity is very important. Primary indicators of childhood obesity are family history and the child’s growth patterns.
Explaining this, Dr Phadke said, “It is essential to assess syndromic factors or single gene disorders as they may contribute to mental abnormalities. Moreover, paying attention to the timing of weight gain is crucial.”
For example, he said that if a child who was previously within a normal weight range suddenly becomes overweight, it could signify an underlying disease or problem. Children with underlying diseases often exhibit a short and fat body shape, whereas those who are overweight due to overeating and lack of exercise may have a tall and fat physique. Additionally, certain medical conditions or the use of drugs like steroids can contribute to obesity and should be taken into consideration during the evaluation process.
By recognising these signs and factors, one can effectively identify and address childhood obesity, leading to better outcomes for our young patients.
Precautions
Dr Shah recommended the following strategies to combat childhood obesity:
Concluding, he said, “Childhood obesity is growing exponentially. It is time that the government declares childhood obesity a new pandemic and starts taking action.”
