NRHM to start health programme to tackle childhood obesity

It is strange that in a country like India where one out of every four children is stunted due to under-nutrition there should be a scenario where childhood obesity could become a problem. But that is a problem that has urged the NRHM to expand its school health programme to nearly 8,000 schools.

Obesity is more commonly found among school going children. A study conducted in Thiruvananthapuram found that 18.3% were overweight while 6.3% were obese. The study associated the phenomenon with fast food consumption, lack of physical activity and inadequate exercise.

The school health programme, initiated by the NRHM in 2009 provides health education to school students. 'Preventive measures are always better than cure. The adolescent age is the best period to start the process,' said Dr K R Rani, state nodal officer, school health programme.

Till now the school health programme has been initiated in 3,300 schools in the state. From Wednesday, the aim is to expand it to 8,000 more schools. 'The main idea is to create awareness among students on the need for a healthy living. We are giving training to two teachers each from these schools for providing necessary health education to students. Apart from this, one junior public health nurse and a junior health inspector will regularly visit these schools to provide training for students,' said Dr Rani.

Health education will be made compulsory for schools which will devote one period every week for the subject. Speciality clinics and medical check-ups will be organised in these schools at regular intervals.