Schools/parents crucial in fighting obesity among children:Shastri

New Delhi, Oct 14 (UNI) Delhi Health Minister Yoganand Shastri today said obesity is a growing problem among children and it is the responsibility of the society to find its solution.

Speaking at a conference on 'Management and Presentation of Children and Obesity through Nutrition Strategies and Physical Activity', he said with shift of population from rural to urban areas and change in lifestyle and food habits, the incidence of obesity in children was increasing.

It was very important to change the lifestyle of children and encourage them to get involved in outdoor games and exercise, he added.

The minister appealed to all the parents that they should pay more attention to the eating habits of the younger children to avoid health related complications later in life.

Schools should also include in their curriculum an awareness programme about good food habits and sports activities, he further added.

The conference, organised by NGO ILSI-India, was attended by representatives of schools, food industries and research institutes.

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