Obesity in Children

Obesity in Children

Childhood obesity is on a road se globally and it is a result of various factors. It can be described as a multifaceted health crisis with complex and long standing effects on a child’s physical and mental well-being. Childhood obesity is a chronic medical condition where the child’s body has excess fat that has negative effects on the child’s mental and physical health.

For expert pediatric care and childhood obesity management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What is the prevalence of childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity is a global issue that has exponentially risen in recent times. It is also being termed as a global pandemic.

According to The World Health Organization (WHO) the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the age groups of 5-19 has risen from just 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022.

Similar to global trends in India also childhood obesity is on the rise. Some of the key statistics for India are as follows:-

• A global analysis published in The Lancet estimated that around 12.5 million children aged 5-19 in India were living with obesity in 2022, and this figure was only 0.4 million in 1990. There were 7.3 million boys and 5.2 million girls.
• The obesity rate in boys increased from 0.1% in 1990 to 3.9% in 2022 and in girls from 0.1% in 1990 to 3.1% in 2022.
• Based on the growing rate of obesity it is estimated that in India over 27 million children and adolescents will be living with obesity by 2030, which is 11% of the global number.

For expert pediatric care and childhood obesity management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

Why are the causes of childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity develops over a period of time where a child consumes more calories than what their body spends. There are genetic, behavioral, environmental, and social factors involved. Below are some of the main reasons for childhood obesity:

Dietary Habits

The food consumed by children in the modern days is the major reason for obesity.

• The markets are filled with calorie-intensense and poor nutrition foods such as processed food, packaged food, drinks like soda, high sugar content fruit juices, and some high energy sports drinks too.
• Apart from the quality of food the portions are also large especially in restaurants and road side eateries. Most of these foods are quite appealing and in some cases addictive to the kids and they do not have any essential vitamins and fiber.

Lack of Physical Activity

• With easy access to entertainment the screen time for most children has increased. Apart from TV , video games have also made their way into the lives of children.
• Outdoor games have been replaced by video games.
• Due to spending most of their time in sedentary activities their energy consumption is less.
• In most places children also lack easy access to safe playgrounds, and other recreation that further limits their time for physical activity.

Family History

• Though not the numero uno reason genes also play a huge role in the weight of a child. If obesity runs in either the paternal or the maternal side then the children are at a higher risk of developing it themselves.

Specific Genes

• Prader-Willi syndrome which is a rare genetic disorder and common gene variations in the FTO gene affect the appetite, metabolism and fat storage of the child. All these combined could increase the weight of the child.

Hormonal imbalances

• Hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing syndrome can contribute to weight gain.

Social and Economic factors

• If a child lives in an obesogenic environment it definitely influences their health.
• Children growing up in low income areas have limited access to affordable, fresh, and healthy food.
• In some areas it is quite unsafe for children to go outside and play so parents try to keep them indoors mostly leading to a more sedentary lifestyle.
• If a child is exposed to family problems, or has emotional issues they start eating more independent of hunger.

Certain Medications

• Prescription medications like steroids or psychiatric medication can increase the weight of the child.

Exposure to unhealthy food

• Most of the advertisement is targeted to entice the child into eating unhealthy foods and drinks.
• With the rise in the digital world children see these advertisements not only on television but also online.

For expert pediatric care and childhood obesity management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What should childhood obesity be treated?

Childhood obesity affects a child’s physical health, as well as their social and emotional well-being. Some of these consequences often transcend into their adulthood. The various complications and their consequences are listed below:-

Short-term and Long-term Physical Health Consequences

Cardiovascular and Metabolic issues:-

• Globally Type 2 diabetes is increasingly prevalent at a young age.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Asthma
• Obstructive sleep apnea – The child’s breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep.
• The excess weight increases the stress on joints, leading hips and knee pain.
• Childhood obesity might transcend into adult obesity and face all the complications of adult obesity.

Psychological and Social issues:-

• Most obese adolescents suffer from low self-esteem and poor body image.
• Obese children have a higher risk of depression and anxiety.
• The child will become isolated so they have reduced quality of life.
• Obese children face teasing and bullying by peers.
• Social stigma and discrimination.
• Emotional binge eating of high calorie food.
• The child may continue unhealthy eating habits into their adulthood.

For expert pediatric care and childhood obesity management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How to treat childhood obesity?

Dr.Swathy Talishetty of Isha Speciality clinics, says that treating childhood obesity needs a family-centered approach that focuses on improving the behaviour and habits of the child, rather than just weight loss.


The treatment plan is centered around the age of the child, the stage of obesity, and existing medical health conditions. Intensive Health Behavior and Lifestyle Treatment (IHBLT) involves a multidisciplinary team consisting of pediatrician, registered dietitian, behavioral counselor etc. Below are the treatment options for childhood obesity:-

Family-Based Approach:

It is crucial that the entire family adopts healthy habits. Parents are the primary role models. Core Components of family treatment:

Nutrition:

• Plan a healthy diet plan consisting of a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Cut down on soda, fruit drinks, etc.
• No screens during meals and start eating together as a family.
• Control the portion size based on the child’s age

Physical Activity:

• Make sure that the child gets at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
• Plan physical activities which the child likes such as walking, biking, and active play.