Obesity among school children of Delhi increasing: study

New Delhi, Nov 1 (UNI) Obesity among schoolgoing children of Delhi has increased with twelve per cent being overweight and six per cent obese thereby exposing them to the risk of developing diabetes and hypertension later in life, a study conducted in government and private/public schools of the national capital has revealed.

Among the obese children two third were boys and one third girls, the study said. It has also showed that eleven per cent children prefer to eat lunch from school canteen and over 81 per cent children claim to go out to a fast food joint at least once a week. The changing food habits of the children was evident from the fact that 62 per cent prefer eating fast food like pizza, burger while 47 per cent children take at least one cold drink daily.

It has also revealed increasing sedentary lives of children with 26 per cent of them not exercising at school and at home with number reducing to half with 13 per cent of them not playing outdoor. Over and above this, about 35 per cent spend more time watching TV and playing computer games. The situation is more grim for those ten per cent children who had either of their parents diabetic as it as obesity has been found to be a major risk factor for development of Type 2 diabetes.

About 85 per cent children diagnosed with diabetes are overweight or obese. The disease, which was earlier only found in adults, is now being increasingly seen in children particulaly Type II variety.

Sedentary lifestyle with more of TV watching, computer games and junk food are considered to be the main casue of increasing prevalence of obesity in children.

During the study, 3500 children in the age group of 10 to 16 years were examined and their weight, height and Body Mass Index were recorded. It was found that obesity was found among children irrespective of the economic background. However, prevalence was more among private schools (55 per cent) than in government schools (45 per cent). Noted endocrinologists Ashok K Jhingon, Ram M Jhingan and J Kavitha, who conducted the study suggested immediate intervention to prevent the epidemic of obesity among children.

They recommended schools to have more physical activities on daily basis to ensure physical fitness. Children should be encouraged to indulge in sports and physical activities by providing them incentives. Schools should also ensure that children were served only nutritious and healthy food in school canteens.

UNI AJ VD HT1600