At least 21 per cent of schoolchildren in Mumbai in the age group 11 to 15 years are overweight, while 16 per cent are obese, says a survey. These heavyweight findings are from a study conducted by a private hospital with a total of 9,000 children from different schools across Mumbai. Another shocking revelation it made, is that over 59 per cent of the children from this age group spend more than two hours a day glued to their smart-phones/TVs/laptops etc.

The study shows how physical inactivity is causing obesity in these children. It was conducted by Aastha Healthcare from Mulund, in 15 high schools located across Mumbai — both in the Central and Western suburbs as well as in south Mumbai. The 9,000 children included 4,806 boys and 4,194 girls studying in stds VI to IX.

The data was collected by personal interview with the students, using a pre-designed questionnaire based on body composition analysis — Body Mass Index (BMI), physical appearance, medical conditions they suffered from and diet. As per the survey, 1,028 of the boys were overweight and 817 were obese. From the girls, 805 were overweight and 612 were obese. The number of children spending time in front of TV/ laptop/ mobile phones for more than 2 hours a day was 5,337 (59.3%), while for less than 2 hours a day, the number was 3,663 (40.7%). Students also displayed effects of obesity like lethargy, breathlessness and dark patches.

Don’t weight and watch
Dr Manish Motwani, bariatric surgeon at Aastha Healthcare, said, “When we were looking for problem of obesity, it was important to conduct the survey in schools where children are likely to be getting overnutrition. This is why, the target schools were private schools and not schools catering to children from underprivileged backgrounds.”

Talking about the reasons for the condition, Dr Motwani said, “The most common cause here is nuclear families with working parents and a lone child. The maid appointed to look after the child has one major instruction, that the child should not cry. In this process, throughout the week, the child ends up eating everything that suits the tastebuds, which can lead to unhealthy eating. Furthermore, on weekends, parents who are guilty of not being able to spend time with the child, take him/her out to places like malls, and junk food is eaten. Another important cause is very little physical activity. If a child sees the parents on phone for a long time, he/she tends to replicate this. This is why after the survey, a class of recommendations was held for children, parents, as well as schools, to bring in lifestyle changes. Schools with canteen facilities were also advised on keeping nutritious, healthy food options on the menu.”

He added, “Parents themselves need to start regular physical activities along with their wards to change the lifestyle. The mobile phones given to children at this age should be basic and not smart phones so that the purpose of keeping in touch is served, but at the same time, the child does not end up spending a large amount of time on the phone.”

Battle of the bulk
The principal of Campion School in South Mumbai, Paul Machado said, “Schools are observing such cases and similarly changes are being made. They are introducing more outdoor games and other physical activities, or creating awareness about healthy eating habits. But all this will bear fruit when parents are part of the process. The age-group mentioned in the survey is of the one where parents put their children into tuition classes, leaving very little time for them for physical activity.” Rupa Roy, principal of Balmohan School in Dadar, said, “The issue of obesity and overweight among children has been a phenomenon for the past decade. With increased access to digital screen-time, gaming etc, physical activity has reduced in this age-group. But most schools are already taking steps to create awareness and it is observed that even parents have started taking required steps towards fitness after awareness.”

President of the PTA Forum, Arundhati Chavan, said, “These days, physical activity has reduced to a great level, even schools have few PT classes. Parents want the best for the child — they are ready to give her/him everything – but this might be affecting the kid adversely. Parents must be made aware of this to ensure good health for the children.”

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“There is no question that being obese or overweight is more costly than being normal weight,” a 2010 George Washington University concluded of Americans.

Health minister David Clark said today obesity cost the taxpayer at least $624 million a year (“probably much more”), which would equate to a little under $500 per obese adult.

Clark was announcing a plan under which the food, beverage, retail and hospitality industries would self-regulate things like advertising and added sugar content in food and drinks in a bid to bring down obesity rates.

Estimates from overseas suggest the cost to the personal finances of obese people could be on average even higher.

George Washington University estimated the cost of being obese in 2010 was just over US$2600 for men, and just under US$4900 for women with healthcare costs, lower incomes and higher fuel bills all contributing.

Being merely overweight added cost to a life, the university found, but obesity was a personal finance killer.

Since the 1970s the western world has seen the obesity epidemic balloon as lifestyles and food intakes have changed, and New Zealand is now one of the fattest countries on the planet.

COST AND INCOME

There are two sides to the “cost” equation: costs and income.

Some costs are easy to work out, and are very personal. Others are harder to judge, or socialised through our health and benefits systems.

For example, insurance costs obese people more than people with healthy BMIs.

Pinnacle Life’s premium for $250,000 of life insurance for a healthy, non-smoking 40-year-old New Zealand European male with a BMI of around 25 (180cm and 80kg) would be $20.57 a month.

If he was 120kg (BMI of nearly 31), it’d cost $23.14. If he was 140kg, insurance would only be available after a medical examination.

Income protection and trauma insurance are more costly too for obese people.

They are also more likely to make joint-related claims on their health insurance, says Southern Cross, which can result in having to dip into their pocket to co-fund their treatment.

The obese are unlikely to qualify for any “healthy living” discounts insurers offer.

FUEL AND FOOD BILLS

Expense is often a matter of what the little things add up to.

Having to have a larger car to cope with a family of larger girth can mean having to go for a more costly, or older vehicle. And carrying around heavy loads means using more petrol.

It is estimated that obesity adds over a billion gallons a year to the US’ total petrol consumption.

Bigger calorie intakes can mean larger food and drink bills, especially if it involves buying fast food and takeaways.

And, research in 2012 by Auckland nutritionist Rebecca Whiting laid to rest the myth that junk food was cheaper than healthy food.

EDUCATION AND WORK

The Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (Superu) concluded in 2015, that obesity was a barrier to educational attainment in school, hindered people’s productivity, ability to lift their incomes, and ability to compete in the jobs market.

The UK’s National Health Service said depression was more common among obese people.

Overseas studies indicate women pay a higher income price for obesity than men, possibly as a result of societal prejudice.

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Obesity is one of the major lifestyle diseases across the globe. While consumption of junk and high-calorie foods is undoubtedly a leading cause of obesity, a recent study, published in the journal Obesity Reviews, has shed light on another reason that may be a key factor behind obesity in children. Gut bacteria and its interactions with immune cells and metabolic organs, including fat tissue, is found to play a key role. Apart from the gut, the mother’s diet, health, exercise level, antibiotic use, birth method (natural or caesarean), and feeding method (formula or breast milk) may also pose as a risk factor in a child getting obese.

“The medical community used to think that obesity was a result of consuming too many calories. However, a series of studies over the past decade has confirmed that the microbes living in our gut are not only associated with obesity but also are one of the causes,” said lead author Hariom Yadav, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of molecular medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine, part of Wake Forest Baptist.

Obesity is increasing at a 2.3 per cent rate each year among school-aged children, which is unacceptably high and indicates worrisome prospects for the next generation’s health, the study stated.

For the study, the researchers analysed existing studies (animal and human) on how the interaction between gut microbiome and immune cells can be passed from mother to baby, as early as gestation, and can further contribute to childhood obesity.

“This compilation of current research should be very useful for doctors, nutritionists and dietitians to discuss with their patients because so many of these factors can be changed if people have enough good information,” Yadav said.

This better understanding of the role of the gut microbiome and obesity in both mothers and their children can help scientists design more successful preventive and therapeutic strategies to check the rise of obesity in children, the researcher opined.

The post Other Than Junk Food, This Is Perhaps What’s Making Your Child Obese appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

Obesity can put an individual at a higher risk of multiple diseases. Unhealthy weight is the reason behind many deadly diseases. It can increase the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, stroke, liver diseases and many other medical issues. Maintaining a healthy weight is extremely necessary to keep the risk of multiple health issues at bay. Not just these diseases, a recent study has highlighted that obesity can increase the risk of many cancers as well. Researchers have found that being overweight before the age of 40 could increase the risk of various cancers in adults.

For the findings, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, the research team wanted to find out how adult overweight (BMI over 25) and obesity (BMI over 30) increase the risk of different types of cancer. The researchers used data collected from 2,20,000 individuals. Data from health examinations, including information on height and weight, were linked to data from national cancer registries.

“Obesity is an established risk factor for several cancers. In this study, we have focused on the degree, timing and duration of overweight and obesity in relation to cancer risk,” said study author Tone Bjorge, Professor at University of Bergen in Norway.

According to the researchers, 27,881 individuals were diagnosed with cancer during follow-up, of which 9,761 (35 percent) were obesity-related. The study concluded that if you were overweight before age 40, the risk of developing cancer increases by 70 percent for endometrial cancer, 58 percent for male renal-cell cancer, 29 percent for male colon cancer and 15 percent for all obesity-related cancers (both in males and females).

“The risk increased by 64 percent for male participants and 48 percent for females,” Bjorge added.

Weight Loss Tips: Ways to fight obesity

You need to reduce body fat and fight obesity to stay healthy. If you are suffering from obesity you need an action plan to fight obesity and lose weight. Healthy habits should be developed from a young age to avoid the risk of obesity for a lifetime. Here are some ways to tackle obesity effectively. These methods can contribute to weight loss.

1. Avoid the triggers

You need to understand the factors which can contribute to obesity. Some lifestyle habits can unknowingly affect your weight and lead to obesity. To maintain a healthy BMI follow healthy habits from the initial stage itself.

2. Keep a check on your weight

Keep checking your weight with time. Whenever you see a disturbance in your BMI, switch to healthy habits which can help you reduce weight before it becomes worse. Starting early can help you control the condition on time.

3. Exercise and diet is the key

Regular exercise and a restricted diet is the key to maintain a healthy weight. You need to make exercise as a compulsory part of your daily routine to avoid obesity for a lifetime. Choose healthy calories which do not contribute to obesity.

4. Know how to differentiate between foods

You must also know the difference between the foods good for you and which are not. Choose good fats over bad ones and make healthy choices in your daily diet.

5. Eliminate sugar

Sugar is hidden in many foods. Too much consumption of foods high in sugar can increase the risk of obesity. Not just direct sources, you must also eliminate indirect sources like packed fruit juice, cookies and many more.

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