Home remedies to reduce obesityImage Credit Source: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Digitalvision/Getty Images
Childhood obesity in india: The month of September is celebrated as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. This reminds us that childhood obesity has become one of the biggest health challenges in the world today. India is also not untouched by this. Cases of obesity in children in urban areas are increasing rapidly due to changing lifestyle, catering habits and lack of physical activities.
Today’s children spend time on mobile, TV and computer, which has reduced physical activity. Along with this, intake of junk food, sweet beverages and packaged snacks has increased. Modern parenting is also promoting this problem-frequent food, dependence on processed food and irregular food habits are harmful for children. Senior Director and Unit Head at Fortis Hospital, Dr. Dr. Vivek Jain, Department of Pediatrics, says that there are many reasons for increasing obesity in children. Lack of play, study pressure and obesity in the family also increase the risk. If not paying attention in time, then childhood obesity can cause diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even cancer.
Not just physical, mental effect
Obese children often face problems like habit of teasing colleagues, social isolation, lack of confidence. This can also cause problems like anxiety, depression and decline in studies.
Start prevention from home
The good thing is that obesity can be stopped. Parents play the most important role. Small habits can bring big changes-
- Balanced diet- Give homemade nutritious food that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins. Limit fried things and sweet drinks.
- Daily exercise- Encourage children for at least 60 minutes of cycling, outdoor game or any physical activity daily.
- Ban on screen time- Determine limits on TV, mobile and video games so that children are active and sleep quality is also better.
- Family participation- The family should exercise together, eat together and give health more importance than convenience.
- School role- Schools should provide nutritious food, promote sports and make health education a part of the course.
Timely awareness is necessary
National Child Obesity Awareness Month is not only a date of the calendar, but a message of awareness. Family, schools and society can only make a habit of healthy lifestyle in children. This is not just a matter of reducing weight, but is a resolve to make the coming generation healthy, confident and successful.