Paediatricians have observed that obesity cases among children in Bengaluru post the pandemic have increased significantly.
Story so far: Pediatricians blame the increase on food and laziness, which kids have grown accustomed to as a result of staying indoors during the lockdown. Prior to Covid, Dr Vani HN, Associate Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH), reported receiving seven to eight referrals per month for children with obesity-related problems, which has jumped to 15 post-pandemic.
- These children have been advised to change their lifestyle patterns, follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- According to global data, 30-40% of children living in urban areas suffer from obesity.
Contributing factors: With increased screen time, kids tend to eat junk food more frequently. The lack of open places has also reduced physical activity. Children participate in extracurricular activities and school, but not in sports, according to Dr Vani. The family’s nutrition should be altered. The parents are frequently obese. Therefore genetic and environmental factors affect the child’s weight.