India's Childhood Obesity Rates Set to Soar: Predicted Annual Increase of Over 9% by 2035, According to New Study
Childhood Obesity: Definition:
In layman language, Childhood
obesity is a medical condition where a child has an excessive amount of body
fat, which can lead to negative health outcomes such as diabetes, heart
disease, and other health problems. It is usually diagnosed by measuring a
child's Body Mass Index (BMI), which takes into account their height and
weight. When a child's BMI is above the 95th percentile for their age and sex,
they are considered to have obesity.
Reasons for increase in Obesity:
There are several factors contributing to the
increasing rates of obesity in lower-income countries. These include following:
- A
shift towards consuming highly processed foods,
- Higher
levels of sedentary behaviour,
- Less
effective policies to regulate the food supply and marketing practices, and
- Other
related factors.
Atlas Study Report:
A recent global study, released on the occasion
of “World Obesity Day” observed on March 4th, warns
that if measures to improve prevention, treatment, and support for childhood
obesity are not taken, India could experience an annual increase of 9.1% in
obesity rates by 2035.
The World Obesity Federation's report suggests
that without significant improvements in these areas, over half of the world's
population will be classified as overweight or obese by 2035. World Obesity Day
aims to encourage practical actions to help people attain and maintain a
healthy weight and tackle the global obesity crisis. Following is the analysis
of the Global Report:
Factors |
2020 |
2035 |
Total adult obesity rate |
11% |
N/A |
Annual increase in adult obesity |
5.2% |
N/A |
Male children obesity risk |
3% |
12% |
Female children obesity risk |
2% |
7% |
Women obesity risk |
7% |
13% |
Men obesity risk |
4% |
8% |
The table presents the obesity rates and risks
in India, as reported in the World Obesity Atlas 2023. In 2020, the total adult
obesity rate in India was 11%. However, the report predicts that by 2035, the
adult obesity rate will increase by 5.2% annually. The obesity risk for boys in
India was 3% in 2020 and is projected to increase to 12% by 2035. For girls,
the obesity risk was 2% in 2020 and is expected to rise to 7% in the next 12
years. The report also shows that Indian women had an obesity risk of 7% in
2020, which is projected to increase to 13% by 2035. Men had a risk of 4% in
2020, which is expected to rise to 8% in 12 years. Finally, the report predicts
that the economic impact of continued failure to improve prevention and
treatment of obesity in India could be USD 4.32 trillion by 2035, equivalent to
nearly 3% of global GDP. The likely impact on India's national GDP will be
1.8%.
The study predicts that continued failure to
improve prevention and treatment could contribute to a total economic impact of
UD 4.32 trillion by 2035 – nearly 3 per cent of global GDP
According to Professor Louise Baur, the
President of the World Obesity Federation, this year's World Obesity Atlas
report serves as a clear warning that neglecting to address obesity today could
have severe consequences in the future. It is especially concerning to see that
children and adolescents are experiencing the fastest increase in obesity
rates. Governments and policymakers worldwide need to take immediate action to
prevent passing on the health, social, and economic costs of obesity to future
generations. This requires urgent attention to the underlying systems and
factors contributing to obesity, and actively involving young people in finding
solutions.
By working collaboratively, we have an
opportunity to help billions of people in the coming years. The report
highlights significant variations in readiness for addressing obesity across
different income levels and geographical regions. For example, the report notes
that low-income countries have an average preparedness ranking of just 154 out
of 183, whereas high-income countries have a ranking of 29 out of 183.
According to the report, India
has a preparedness score of 98 out of 183, which is deemed "average."
The report further highlights that all ten of the most prepared countries are
located in Europe, while eight out of the ten least prepared countries are in
Africa. Additionally, the report clarifies that recognizing the economic
consequences of obesity should not be taken as a condemnation of individuals
living with this chronic and relapsing disease.
"Effective Strategies to Address Childhood
Obesity: Smart Changes to Consider"
Childhood obesity is a complex issue that
requires a multifaceted approach to tackle effectively. Here are some smart
changes that can be implemented to help address this problem:
1. Encourage physical activity: Encouraging children to engage in
regular physical activity is a critical component in preventing and managing
obesity. Incorporating activities such as sports, dance, or simply going for a
walk can be both fun and beneficial for children.
2. Promote healthy eating habits: Providing healthy meals and snacks
at home and in schools can help to ensure children receive the necessary
nutrients while avoiding unhealthy foods that contribute to obesity. Educating
children on healthy eating habits can also help them to make better food
choices.
3. Limit screen time: Reducing the amount of time children spend in front of screens (TV, computer, phone, etc.) can help to encourage physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior, which is a significant contributor to obesity.
4. Create supportive environments: Families, schools, and communities can work together to create supportive environments that promote healthy behaviors. This includes providing safe spaces for physical activity, ensuring access to healthy foods, and educating children on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
5. Foster positive body image: Fostering positive body image in children can help to prevent obesity by reducing the likelihood of unhealthy dieting behaviors and promoting self-esteem. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals can work together to create an environment where children feel comfortable in their own skin and appreciate the value of healthy living.
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