Childhood Obesity: A Rising Trend in India

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children under five years has nearly doubled in urban areas of India. Approximately 4.2% of urban Indian children were overweight in 2020, and the percentage of overweight adolescents also increased from 9.8% in 2006 to 11.7% in 2009. This rising trend signals a growing challenge. 

India is projected to have over 27 million obese children, representing one in ten children globally by 2030. However, our country ranked 99th out of 183 countries in preparedness to combat the obesity epidemic.

Childhood obesity results from various factors, including genetics, socioeconomic status, and environmental influences. Genetics only accounts for about 5% of cases – with parental obesity and hyperglycemia contributing to a predisposition for childhood obesity. Socioeconomic and environmental factors play a major role, especially dietary habits during childhood. 

Globalization has exposed children to high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) foods, often marketed as healthier alternatives to traditional meals. "Eating out" has become more frequent with the convenience of food delivery apps, and academic pressures have reduced physical activity, particularly among adolescents.

Increasing screen time and sedentary behaviors have also contributed to the rise in childhood obesity. Another common contributing factor in recent times is binge eating to cope with stress, anxiety, or loneliness––which causes changes in the brain's reward pathways and a loss of control over food intake. Higher socioeconomic status heightens the risk of childhood obesity, as adopting Western lifestyles and consumption patterns has become a symbol of class mobility.

Childhood obesity often continues into adolescence and adulthood, leading to a range of health issues, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and more. To combat this growing problem, early intervention and prevention are crucial. Measures such as improving parental nutrition, promoting ideal feeding practices, and addressing obesogenic environmental factors are recommended.

The food and beverage industry can play a role by not advertising high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) products and instead advocating for healthier alternatives. Schools should educate parents on the consequences of childhood obesity and promote a healthy lifestyle. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) is actively involved in spreading awareness through its school outreach program, Sankalp: Sampoorna Swasthya. Pediatricians should discuss healthy and balanced diets during each visit, and growth parameters should be closely monitored to identify and address overweight and obesity.

India is on the verge of a nutrition paradox, with high rates of both malnutrition and childhood obesity. To prevent childhood obesity, it is essential to act now through policy measures, education, and awareness campaigns. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics is set to publish pediatric obesity guidelines and hold a pediatric obesity conclave to raise awareness and commitment to its prevention.

Source: Kinjawadekar UP. Indian Pediatrics. 2023 Oct 1;60(10):791-2.