#ChildObesity: Watch What Your Child Is Eating!

 

Child obesity rates have been rising steadily over the past few years and has become a major cause of concern for parents and medical professionals.

It is believed that one of every ten children are on the verge of obesity.

India has the second largest number of obese children in the world and this has clearly a scenario that needs urgent attention and control.

Chubby may no longer be the cute, if the kids health is of any concern.

A recent paediatric research study revealed states that children between the ages of 3-18 are on unhealthy diets. This includes diets that are low in proteins and micronutrients and coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, the children are rendered overweight and short.

The study was conducted in five cities across India including Pune on more than 4,700 children over five years. The study highlights their changing dietary patterns that included more high-fat fast food and beverages that increased the risk of obesity at a young age.

Pune365 speaks to health experts and citizen

Shreyas Mulay, a Fourth standard student who weighs 45 kg says, “I get exhausted by evening and cant go out and play. I prefer playing indoor games, watch TV or play games on the phone, laptop.

The whole day is spent in the class, followed by classes and later to school tuitions and homework. By the time everything is completed, its dinner time, and then I play on my mom’s phone for a while and go to sleep.”

Chinese is my favourite food, I often go out to eat with my parents. While speaking to Shreya’s Mom, Suman she said, “We are both working professionals and although, I cook at home, he prefers eating in the canteen once or twice a week.

His school and classes timings, we can’t do much about. This is the time he needs to be focused towards his studies.”

As a mother I understand, that he is overweight, but he is too young to get obsessed with that. He will lose weight with time,” Suman adds.

Zainab Qureshi, housewife says, “Sedentary lifestyle is the main culprit for the increasing obesity in metro cities. Our children don’t have playgrounds to play and the building open spaces are all taken up by parking.

Our kids can go out and play only when we enrol them in specific coaching classes, like cricket, basketball, football. Poor eating habits is another matter of concern. Our kids are so tempted by pizzas and pastries, and it Is tough to say no, every time they ask for it.

However, both my son and daughter are not overweight, I take proper care of their protein and micronutrient intake. Their schools have also ensured that students get chappati and vegetables, including a fruit for their lunch, Qureshi adds.

Santosh Sawant, a concerned father says, “My daughter’s studies have never bothered me, but her increasing weight has become a matter of concern to us.  Her outdoor activity is completely self restricted and she prefers spending time on youtube and helping her mom to cook new dishes.

We have checked with a paediatrician who has advised us to follow a strict calorie controlled diet. However it is difficult for her and for us too.It is immensely difficulty at a later stage to control and I would personally recommend that parents keep an eye on their child’s food intake, Sawant adds.

Rohini Khedkar, a housewife says, “Most of us are happy to see a chubby kid, but it is one thing to be cute and chubby and another to be fat!. Child obesity is definitely on the rise in the city.”

A responsible mother won’t allow her child to put on weight. Proper care with the diet is critical.. It is always good to stay safe and restrict them from eating junk food, than to let them face consequences of weight gain later.

“Obesity not only increases weight, but also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension.

It also affects their sleep which further affects their academics. Bullying and teasing from their classmates also affects their confidence levels, due to which they stop going out and this restricts their physical activity even more.” Khedkar adds.

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#All views expressed in this article are those of the individual respondents and Pune365 does not necessarily subscribe to them.