`An unspoken pandemic': How COVID lockdown has fueled obesity among kids

As per a National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) survey done in the undivided Andhra Pradesh nearly a decade ago, at least 15 percent of school students coming from a higher socio-economic background in urban areas suffer from obesity. Doctors and dieticians caution the public about the dangers of obesity, especially among children.

Study on childhood obesity abroad

According to a study published in the European Journal of Public Health, an increase in obesity was seen in children between the ages of three and four years during the pandemic. The study analyzed the data of 25,049 children aged three to five who underwent regular health checks at child health centers in the three counties of Sweden. The findings of the study showed a rise in the BMI (body mass index) during the pandemic. The results showed that the proportion of obese girls rose from 2.8% to 3.9% during the pandemic. Meanwhile, for boys, the corresponding proportions were 2.4 and 2.6%. The proportion of overweight girls rose from 11.1 to 12.8%, while the proportion of underweight boys fell from 2.0 to 1.4%.

Obesity: Root cause of several health issues

Dr. Chalapathi Rao Achanta, consultant medical gastroenterologist, a liver specialist, and interventional endoscopist, at KIMS Icon Hospital, Vizag, says, “In the Asian population, obesity is defined as a body mass index equal to or more than 25kg/m2. Obesity has a 40.32% of estimated prevalence among adults 18 to 80 years of age. Southern India (46.51%) shows the highest prevalence, while eastern India shows the lowest (32.96%). Being overweight and obese are major risk factors for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, Obstructive sleep apnoea, and fatty liver disease. Obesity is also associated with some cancers, including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon.”

“Many of the causes of overweight and obesity are preventable and reversible, that includes reducing the number of calories consumed from fats and sugars, increasing the portion of daily intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, and engaging in regular physical activity (60 minutes per day for children and 150 minutes per week for adults). In babies, studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months of age reduces the risk of infants becoming overweight or obese. Weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) can be opted for by morbidly obese people for whom the conservative measures, such as diet, exercise, and medicine have failed,” adds Dr. Rao.

Recent evidence has shown that obesity weakens the immune system and therefore, makes the host vulnerable to infectious diseases. Indeed, Obesity has emerged as a strong risk factor for severe disease in Covid-19. Several independent studies have demonstrated that obese subjects with Covid-19 have a higher risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and increased probability of death.

Dr. G Parthasaradhi, surgical gastroenterologist and liver transplant surgeon at KIMS Hospital, says, “There is no doubt that Covid-imposed lifestyle changes, work, and studies from home, closure of parks and playgrounds and restriction of outdoor activities for a long time have caused incidences of obesity to increase. Since for children, bone maturity is not complete, it is advisable that they do not do gymming (unless they are obese) but rather opt for some enjoyable activities like sports and dance. Such group activities will also develop team spirit, coordination, and cooperation among children besides keeping them fit. People have leant towards a sedentary lifestyle and need to be physically active. In children, overweight and obesity issues are causing PCOD, early onset of diabetes, and early puberty due to hormonal imbalance. They need to check weight gain, steer away from intake of empty calories, sugary and fatty foods, bakery items, etc.”

Behavior modification for dietary changes a must

Post-pandemic many continue to binge on junk foods, frequently eat out, or get ready-to-eat food home-delivered. In this context, nutrition counselor and faculty at Andhra University, R Rekha avers, “Children need behavior modification, bringing the mind under control and inculcating healthy dietary habits and adequate water drinking habits in daily life. For this, parents, teachers, and peer groups can guide in a fun and interesting way. For example, nutritional games can be played, a contest can be held in classes about healthy colorful fruits and veggie-based tiffins or separate days for eating various fruits and vegetables can be allotted. Substitute sugar with jaggery and honey and eat dry-fruit-based snacks. Teachers can take a class on healthy eating and nutrition once a week. Keep a day every fortnight or week for indulging in fast food so that children don’t miss out on their favorite junk food. Also, children should take up yoga and some sports or outdoor games to stay active.”