Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : September 24, 2024 6:03 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Bobby Sadarwarti, a pediatrician and neonatologist, allergist, and lactation consultant at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli
Parents must encourage kids to eat slowly and avoid junk, spicy, oily, processed, and canned food. (Photo: Freepik)
Obesity is a growing concern in India and many other countries. It is determined using body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight concerning a person's height. For example, an overweight (not obese) person's BMI would be between 25 and 29.9; class 1 (low-risk) obesity BMI would be between 30 and 34.9; class 2 (moderate-risk) obesity BMI would be between 35 and 39.9; and class 3 (high-risk) obesity BMI would be equal to or greater than 40. In children, rampant cases of obesity are a cause for concern.
The childhood obesity pandemic in India has alarmed even the experts. Dr Bobby Sadarwarti, a pediatrician and neonatologist, allergist, and lactation consultant at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli says that parents need to be aware of certain vital tips to ensure healthy weight gain in children.
According to Dr Sadarwarti, childhood obesity is when the child's weight is more than what is considered to be healthy for their age and height. "It is defined as BMI that is at or above the 95th percentile; it requires timely intervention," the doctor says, adding that factors behind rising childhood obesity incidences are:
"Obese children will experience various health problems later in life," the doctor warns.
Dr Sadarwarti says children who are obese or overweight will encounter the following health problems:
Overweight or obese children may also suffer from poor self-esteem, feeling guilty, embarrassed, lonely, and frustrated all the time, while being ridiculed or body-shamed. Parents must address this immediately.
The doctor shares an important guideline:
