Growing childhood obesity in Visakhapatnam a cause for concern: Docs

Visakhapatnam: The over consumption of junk food and lack of physical exercise is making children obese. Childhood obesity is becoming a major health issue among children in both rural and urban areas. On Anti-obesity Day on October 11, city doctors emphasised upon the immediate need to curb obesity.

According to city doctors, there has been nearly a 10-25% increase in childhood obesity in different parts of Visakhapatnam district. Many boys and girls in the age group of 5-15 are suffering from obesity and faulty nutrition.

Dr Srikanth Arisetty, a paediatrician said, “As per my observation, there has been a considerable increase in obesity among schoolgoers. Since I treat patients in semi-urban pockets, I have noticed an increase in problems from one case a month to three to five cases a month within the last decade.”

The paediatrician further said that children now have greater access to junk food and do not partake in physical activity. “Parents too feel safe to have their children indoors and hand them smartphones and video games. Most schools lack playgrounds,” Dr Arisetty said.

According to experts, childhood obesity can be a precursor to various serious ailments later on, including cardiac issues, high blood pressure, diabetes as well as gynaecological problems like polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) among girls. Moreover, obesity can also give rise to psychological problems like low self-esteem.

Dr Maruthi Prasad, another paediatrician working at a private hospital in the city said that obesity can also be exogenous, wherein children are taller and obese as well as endogenous, wherein children are short and obese. Exogenous obesity is caused due to an abundant intake of junk food, while endogenous obesity can often be linked to hormonal or endocrine-related problems, hyperthyroidism and growth hormone deficiency, he said.

“Family history of obesity is another factor. Morbid obesity, often overlooked, can lead to diabetes as well as gynaecological problems,” Dr Prasad added.

Meanwhile, Dr VVG Mohan, another paediatrician said that big babies (overweight or obese) can be born to mothers who are tall or have a relatively bigger uterus or those suffering from gestational diabetes or those who overfeed the baby in the womb.