As World Obesity Day 2024 approaches on March 4, the spotlight turns to the escalating crisis of childhood obesity gripping India. Recent data underscores a disturbing surge in the number of overweight children aged 5 to 19 years, soaring to approximately 1.25 crore compared to a mere 40 lakh in 1990.
A comprehensive study published in The Lancet Journal delves into the gravity of the situation, revealing that out of the staggering 1.25 crore affected children, a staggering 73 lakh are boys, with an additional 52 lakh being girls. These figures paint a stark picture of the growing health concerns stemming from childhood obesity nationwide.
Globally, the prevalence of obesity among children, adolescents, and adults has eclipsed 100 crore individuals, signaling a widespread health crisis of significant proportions. Both obesity and underweight conditions are recognized as forms of malnutrition, each posing unique health risks and challenges.
The latest projections from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight the exponential rise in obesity rates among children and adolescents worldwide since 1990, warranting urgent attention and intervention.
In the Indian context, adult obesity rates have witnessed a troubling uptick, with estimates suggesting a surge from 1.2% in 1990 to a staggering 9.8% among women and 5.4% among men by 2022. This translates to an alarming 4.4 crore women and 2.6 crore men grappling with obesity-related health issues in the country.
Dr. Pradeep Chowbey, Chairman of Max Institute of Laparoscopic, Endoscopic, Bariatric Surgery & Allied Surgical Specialities at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, has sounded the alarm on the urgent need for collective action to address the obesity epidemic. Dr. Chowbey stressed the importance of concerted efforts from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities to combat the multifaceted challenges posed by obesity.
Moreover, Dr. Chowbey emphasized the critical role of awareness campaigns and preventive initiatives, advocating for the empowerment of children and families to make informed lifestyle choices conducive to better health outcomes. While bariatric surgery remains a vital treatment option for morbid obesity, Dr. Chowbey underscored the imperative of holistic strategies encompassing education, nutrition, and public health policies to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of obesity on individuals and society at large.