Rising Childhood Obesity in India: A Growing Health Crisis

The World Obesity Atlas report shows that overweight and obesity are increasing among children in India. In India, 1.5 crore children aged 5 to 9 and more than 2.6 crore children aged 10 to 19 are overweight or obese, according to the report. India ranks second in the number of children with a high BMI. Countries, including India, have failed to meet the global target of reducing childhood obesity by 2025. This deadline has now been extended to 2030.

The figures suggest that more than 20 crore schoolchildren aged 5 to 19 in ten countries around the world are overweight or obese. By the end of 2025, more than 1 crore children in 8 countries are predicted to have a high BMI. Of these, China, India, and the United States have more than 1 crore overweight and obese children.

Among women aged 15 to 49, 13.4% have a high BMI, and 4.2% have type 2 diabetes. The report warns that obesity will significantly increase the number of medical conditions in children in the coming years. By 2040, the number of people with hypertension is expected to increase from 2.99 crore to 4.21 crore. The number of people with diabetes (hyperglycemia) is expected to rise from 1.39 crore to 1.91 crore. Liver diseases are projected to increase from 8.39 crore to 11.88 crore, and cholesterol levels are expected to rise from 4.39 crore to 6.07 crore, according to the report.

Causes Behind Childhood Obesity

Among adolescents aged 11 to 17 years, 74% do not engage in adequate physical exercise.

Children aged 6 to 10 consume an average of 50 milliliters of sugary drinks daily.

32.6% of infants aged 1 to 5 months do not receive the required breastfeeding.

Only 35.5% of schoolchildren have access to official school meals.

Globally, one in five children, or 20.7%, are affected by obesity. In 2010, this number was 14.6%. It is estimated that by 2040, 50.7 crore children worldwide will face this issue. China tops the list with 6.2 crore affected children, followed by the United States in third place.

The report also recommends urgent actions for governments to take, including imposing taxes on sugary drinks, regulating junk food advertisements aimed at children, ensuring healthy food standards in schools, and promoting physical activity and breastfeeding.