India Stand on Second Highest Position for Childhood Obesity

NP NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI

Childhood obesity is a burden in developed and developing countries. In developed countries has reached epidemic proportion and developing countries are not far behind. It has been estimated that worldwide over 22 million children under the age of 5 are obese, and one in 10 children is overweight.

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India has the second highest number of obese children in the world after China. According to an alarming study which has found that 14.4 million kids in the country have excess weight. In this reference as there is a huge need to create awareness, JT foundation in collaboration with Rotary Club of Koregaon Park, Apollo Spectra Hospital, O Clinic, Sahyadri Hospital and Navneet Prakashan.

One of the strategies to spread awareness on childhood obesity was initiated by Dr Jayashree Todkkar who is Asia’s first bariatric surgeon. She is working for ‘Fight Obesity Campaign’ since last 15 years. She is also the director of JT Foundation. Under this campaign they come with various activities to create awareness about the crucial obesity element of society and it’s scientific treatments.

Recently they have come up with an initiative to spread awareness by drawing thoughts on obesity. Keeping in mind that the kids are best messengers, JT foundation has decided to organize a drawing competition in 45 schools of Pune. Till now they have received 15000 entries among which 100 selected drawings will be exhibited and best 14 drawings will be rewarded in Evolve 2018 on August 12. JT foundation has selected Zilla Parishad Schools, Government Schools and Private Schools for this.

Dr Todkkar said, “This is further in line with fight childhood obesity campaign which was inaugurated on November 16 of year 2017. Child is the messenger to the family and first victim. So to engage them in this program we decided to plan a drawing competition in Pune schools with obesity as a theme.”

The students were given 15 days’ time to prepare their drawings and reach out the parents in a conventional way.

The students were divided in two groups, kids in fifth to seventh in Group A and eighth to tenth in Group B. Before this competition, students were shown a documentary about obesity, lectures were also organized and kids were asked to draw as their idea on obesity.

As only 100 best drawings has been selected, remaining drawings will be circulated as collage on screen. Also those students have been given the certificate too. Those who will be the winner will receive medal too.

Many MNCs today attract children in many ways to purchase their products. Children unaware of the side effects force their parents to get that product. While working on this initiative, JT Foundation members found that the kids have developed their understanding beyond our imagination, that’s why next program should be conducted including even first standard students as well.

Dr Todkkar said, “According to WHO reports, 3 people over 5 people in India are the victim of obesity. Fat percent in Indian body is huge. Indian are basically called thin fat Indians. Obesity is not measured by weight but the fat level in your body.”

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Fat level in western country’s people is below 20% as in Indian public, the fat level is measured 30 to 40%.

Dr Todkkar and JT Foundation has requested government to add health literacy and orientation in curriculam should be added.

Mahesh Shah, President of Rotary Club of Koregaon Park said, “It is very important to teach about the difference between healthy and junk food right from childhood. Habits and knowledge that are imbided from childhood last for a lifetime. This initiative will surely make kids aware about the disease.”