Childhood Obesity: An Escalating Epidemic

Obesity, a nutritional disorder among children and adolescents is reaching alarming proportions in India and world. Obesity impacts the child’s immediate health, educational attainment and quality of life. This article reviews the current scenario on the issue, its etiological factors, impact and management. Marketing of unhealthy foods and sugary beverages are major factor in the increase in number of children being overweight and obese. It is noted that it is important to address the problem of overweight and obesity at school level itself because otherwise it can lead to disease burden which will continue into adulthood. It may be linked to rise of adult diseases in youth like hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart disease and osteoporosis. Promoting intake of healthy foods, promoting physical activity, preconception and pregnancy care are required to reverse this trend. REFERANCES 1. Report of the commission on ending childhood obesity. WHO Document Production Services, Geneva, Switzerland, 2016.p.2 2. http://www.who.int/end-childhood-obesity/news/launch-final-report/en/ 3. http://www.who.int/end-childhood-obesity/en/ 4. Shastri KN, Chaturvedi GN, editors. Charak Samhita (Vidyotini Hindi Commentary), Reprint edition, Vol.1. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, 2004. Sutra Sthana, 21/3. p-407 5. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.html 6. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.html 7. Shastri KN, Chaturvedi GN, editors. Charak Samhita (Vidyotini Hindi Commentary), Reprint edition, Vol.1. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, 2004. Sutra Sthana, 21/4. p-409 8. Shastri KN, Chaturvedi GN, editors. Charak Samhita (Vidyotini Hindi Commentary), Reprint edition, Vol.1. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, 2004. Sutra Sthana, 21/4. p-409 9. Shastri KN, Chaturvedi GN, editors. Charak Samhita (Vidyotini Hindi Commentary), Reprint edition, Vol.1. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, 2004. Sutra Sthana, 21/4. p-409 10. Shastri KN, Chaturvedi GN, editors. Charak Samhita (Vidyotini Hindi Commentary), Reprint edition, Vol.1. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, 2004. Sutra Sthana, 21/9. p-411 11. Shastri KN, Chaturvedi GN, editors. Charak Samhita (Vidyotini Hindi Commentary), Reprint edition, Vol.1. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, 2004. Sutra Sthana, 21/20. p-414 12. Tripathi RD, editor. Astanga Samgraha (Saroj Hindi Commentary), Reprint edition. Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, 2003. Sutra Sthana, 23/14. p-429 13. Srivastava Shailaja, editor. Sharngadar Samhita (Jiwanprada Hindi Commentary), Reprint edition, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, 2009. Madhyama Khand, Chapter-2/4. p-15. 14. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/985333-treatment#d14