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Understanding the factors leading to childhood obesity

Authored by Dr. Harish Kumar, Consultant – Paediatrics & Paediatric Intensive Care, Aster CMI Hospital

Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents where the child is significantly overweight for his or her age and height. It is a very common condition affecting more than 10 million cases per year in India. Lack of physical activities and intake of excessive calories from food and drinks are the main contributors to childhood obesity. As parents, we tend to give our child whatever he/she seeks starting from drink to junk food. Food and drinks are the main contributors to this. However, genetic and hormonal factors also play a role.

Not only the children who are obese are likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem, they are at higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors of becoming overweight:

Prevention:

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