Rising Incidence of Overweight and Obesity among Children and Adolescents in India

Abstract

The rising incidence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has become a cause of concern for India. Overweight/Obesity is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) but it needs to be addressed seriously. Research has shown that modifiable and environmental factors along with genetics triggers the risk of cardiovascular diseases quite early in childhood threatening the health prospects of adults. It is crucial to address the causes of overweight/obesity like physical inactivity, unhealthy eating, lack of knowledge and awareness and impact of media and advertising. Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, high triglycerides in children and adolescents is an alarming sign. In order to dodge this serious public health crisis in near future we need to curb the prevailing risk factors of overweight/obesity. A holistic approach to tackle the obesity epidemic with an array of activities from policy making to program implementation, community education to individual knowledge and skill development is required. We need to promote healthy eating and lifestyle modifications in childhood and adolescents to prevent CVD risk in adulthood. Key-wordsAdolescents, Obesity, Overweight, Cardiovascular Diseases INTRODUCTION The overall trend of childhood obesity is increasing globally and the prevalence is expected to reach 9.1%, or 60 million globally by 2020 [1] . The prevalence of obesity in India is increasing rapidly which form the major part of global population. Obesity has become the cause of serious public health concern in childhood as overweight or obese children will become obese adults with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). As obesity is an independent risk factor for CVDs, medical professionals and policy makers should try to address the childhood overweight and obesity to overt CVD in adulthood. The aim of this review is to synthesize epidemiological evidence for causes and consequences of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents of India, to promote healthy eating and lifestyle in childhood and to prevent CVD risk in adulthood. We selected the most relevant published literature on the electronic databases (in English language only), namely, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library applying specific search terms such as “India” “adolescents”; “childhood”; Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: