Talking about obesity in children, Dr Bindu Aggarwal, Paediatrics Endocrinologist at Christian Medical College and Hospital, said that childhood obesity is assuming epidemic proportions, going by the percentage of kids falling prey to it.

“An estimated 22 million children under five are estimated to be overweight worldwide. It is reported that around 20 per cent of Indian children are overweight or obese. And the CMCH survey came up with similar results, that approximately 20 per cent of schoolgoing children in Ludhiana are obese,” informed Dr Bindu.

She warned that childhood obesity is the prelude to a public health disaster, and there is an urgent need to address the problem. She added that being overweight and obese can make the child face numerous health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems and stroke in adult age, polycystic ovarian disease (menstrual irregularities and excess hair growth on body), fatty liver, increased growth and sexual maturation, gall bladder and pancreatic problems, sleep apnea and joint diseases. Boys may develop large breasts, which affects their self-esteem.

“More than health problems, the social and emotional fallout can hurt a child the most. Overweight and fat children get bullied and teased more often than others. These children may develop anxiety and poor social skills. Their academic performances too can get affected. Obese teenagers may suffer from a loss of self-esteem and can go into depression,” said Dr Bindu. Enumerating the causes, she said, “Overeating and binging, poor choice of foods, snacking or consuming high fat or high sugar foods, sedentary life style like TV viewing and working or playing games on a computer, rather than playing out, are all contributory factors.”