27 million children in India to suffer from obesity by 2030, as per report from world obesity federation

Childhood obesity is a growing health concern across the country. Obesity is no longer a symptom, it has transformed into a disease. Obesity alarmingly increases your risk of heart diseases and premature mortality. The alarming increase in the cases of obesity in the past four decades have aroused much concern across the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the cases of obesity have almost tripled since 1975. In 2016, approximately 650 million people (13%) over the age of 18 years are obese and 340 million children within the age range of 5 - 19 years are obese. According to the recent survey report, 39 million children below 5 years of age were obese in 2020. With the new report made by the Obesity Federation in collaboration with WHO this is a huge concern for the country.

Measures to reduce childhood obesity

According to the experts, certain ways by which the childhood obesity can be prevented are:

• Increasing the portion of fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet
• Do not allow your child to watch television or mobile phones while eating.
• Do not allow excess consumption of aerated drinks.
• Physical and outdoor activity must be mandatory for your child.
• Limit the unhealthy snacking habit of your child.
• Excessive consumption of chocolates, candies and other junk food must also be limited.

Takeaway 

Obesity has become a silent pandemic. It is very important for the parents to take childhood obesity seriously. If the parents are not vigilant about the diest of their children it can increase the risk of juvenile diabetes and cardiac diseases in their children. Necessary steps for the management and prevention of childhood obesity must be taken to ensure your child does not suffer from obesity and its complications in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many children are obese in India?

   In India, the current number of obese children is around 14.4 million. 

2. Where does India lie in reference to childhood obesity in the world?

   India is the second country with maximum cases of reported childhood obesity. The first one being China.

3. Why are the cases of childhood obesity increasing in India?

   The cases of childhood obesity are increasing in India because of unhealthy eating habits and less physical activity.